The 11th China International Marine Fair (CIMF) concluded at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center on May 26.

With a larger scale, the CIMF attracted more visitors and achieved a huge turnover. Boasting an area of more than 26,000 square meters, the CIMF remains the biggest ship exhibition in the country this year. A total of 38,000 visitors, including 21,000 professionals, attended the four-day show, generating an intended turnover of 220 million yuan ($36 million). Luxury yachts worth millions of dollars such as the Ferretti, Princess and Beneteau found buyers.

In addition, ship design and supporting companies, fleet clubs, and other related industries also took part in the CIMF.

Thanks to China’s fast growing ship economy, the ship industry in Shandong is thriving. Fourteen enterprises based in Qingdao and 50 other enterprises in Shandong joined the exhibition, altogether comprising one-third of the exhibitors. Moreover, they had an intended turnover of 52 million yuan, accounting for one-fourth of the total turnover.

"In quantity, local enterprises take the upper hand, yet in value we are largely overshadowed by foreign ships,” said an official from the Qingdao sub-council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

The CIMF also held water activities such as the T25 Trimaran Sailing Competition, National Sailing Boats and Yachts Design Competition, and the Miss International Yacht competition.

As a pilot survey shows, most exhibitors feel satisfied with the results, and they look forward to participating in next year’s CIMF.

Attracting more than 100 world-famous yachts and sailboats, the CIMF has taken a huge step towards becoming the world’s top yacht exhibition.

Edited by Michael Thai, Li Xiaoliang and Zhao Jingchen