Maritime and water sports developments in Germany

Preparations are underway for the 58th edition of the boot Düsseldorf international water sports exhibition, scheduled for January 23 to 31, 2027. The event is expected to host over 1,500 manufacturers, retailers, and tourism destinations, showcasing more than 1,000 boats and yachts.

Due to ongoing modernization at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center, Hall 9 will be unavailable until 2029. Organizers have planned a modified layout, including a protected, covered walkway to ensure access between the North entrance and Halls 10, 11, and 12. Specific relocations include rigid inflatable boats, dinghies, and tenders moving to Hall 17, while surfing and paddling activities will be centered in Hall 12. The exhibition will also feature a dedicated sailing center and a ‘blue innovation dock’ in Hall 10 to showcase future technologies.

In a related regional development, the cruise line A-ROSA plans to launch river cruises from Duisburg starting in 2027. Using three ships, the initiative aims to host approximately 20,000 guests annually across 125 trips, with routes extending to destinations such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Brussels, as well as travels through the Middle Rhine Valley.