The shipyard Cernaval, based in the Campo de Gibraltar, participates for the first time in the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026 fair, which takes place in Singapore and is regarded as the main exhibition and conference on the Asian continent dedicated to the sectors of shipbuilding, maritime, workboats, and offshore solutions, as well as new technologies in marine electrification and hybridization. The presence of the shipyard from Gibraltar at this event marks, according to its CEO, Enrique Pérez, a turning point in the international strategy of the company, highlighting the importance of having direct presence in one of the main showcases of the naval sector in Asia.
With over 35 years of experience, APM has established itself as an international reference platform where global providers present the latest technological innovations aimed at shipowners, shipyards, vessel managers, and decision-makers across the Asian region. The event is notable not only for its exhibition size but also for its role as a strategic meeting point for the sector, where key alliances are formed and collaborations are established that contribute to defining the future of the maritime industry, especially in areas such as sustainability, operational efficiency, and energy transition. Thus, APM acts as a privileged showcase where trends that will shape the development of future vessels and maritime solutions are anticipated.
When asked what it means for Cernaval to participate for the first time in APM Singapore, Pérez noted that it is a very important opportunity. Asia, and particularly Singapore, is one of the regions generating the most customers for the shipyard in the field of naval repair. The CEO explained that there is also a very strong connection with shipowners from Hong Kong and the entire area, so being physically present at a fair of this nature allows the company to get much closer to them.
Regarding how Cernaval has worked in this market until now, Pérez detailed that during these years the company has primarily operated through its brokers, organizing visits to clients and traveling to the region for a week. The CEO acknowledged that it is a formula that works but has its limitations. Participating in a fair like APM allows for much broader reach and for the shipyard to be known by a greater volume of industry professionals.
Regarding the difference that participating in a fair of this level brings, the person in charge of Cernaval highlighted that it is a very technical event, with significant presence from companies and professionals from Japan, China, Korea, and the entire Far East. In just a few days, he explained, one can have contact with many more people than one would see in a typical business trip, which is crucial for the shipyard.
The company is attending this edition with a 36 square meter stand, a space that Pérez considers quite representative. The CEO noted that they want to clearly show who they are and what they can offer, and that the team will be accompanied throughout the fair by the brokers who usually work with Cernaval in the Asian market.
Although it is the first time the shipyard participates in a fair in Asia, it is not its first experience in international events with physical presence, but the second. Cernaval has been participating in Europort Rotterdam for about ten years, where it has solidified its position considerably. However, Pérez emphasized that taking this step in Asia is particularly relevant for the company.
Expectations are good, according to the CEO. Pérez indicated that they know it is a powerful fair and that it will have a lot of participation, especially from companies from Singapore, China, and Hong Kong. He also highlighted that Cernaval has the advantage of being the only Spanish shipyard present at this edition, which also gives them visibility.
The objectives that the shipyard sets in the short term with this participation mainly focus on getting more known in the area and strengthening relations with current and potential clients. Pérez indicated that they want industry professionals in Asia to identify Cernaval as a solid option in naval repair and to be able to offer their services directly there.
When asked whether this participation can be considered a turning point in Cernaval's international strategy, Pérez responded affirmatively and without hesitation. The CEO explained that this represents a further step, and that the shipyard is moving from a strategy more based on intermediaries and occasional visits to having direct presence in an international showcase, something he has defined as a natural evolution.
With the fair about to begin, Pérez has acknowledged that the team is facing these days with eagerness and expectations. He indicated that at the time of the interview they were finalizing all the details of the stand and expressed his confidence that it will be an intense but very productive week.