There is no doubt that ITS 2006 Rotterdam was a hugely successful event - it was attended by more delegates, exhibitors and visitors than ever before. The 360 delegates came from 44 countries and represented every facet of the tug and salvage business at the highest level. Despite increasing the amount of display space by 50%, the exhibition sold out many months before the event and numerous companies wanting space had to be disappointed.

The conference and exhibition were officially opened by the Dutch Minister of Transport, Dr Karla Peijs. Delegates were treated to 28 papers split between the ITS Technical Workshop (chaired by Andy Smith, Editor of International Tug & Salvage) and the main conference, including a face to face interview with Ben Vree, Chairman of SMIT International, conducted by the Conference Chairman, Michael Allen.

The Germans spared no expense and dispensed free tea and coffee.

One of the highlights of the Convention was the Tug Parade sponsored by Wärtsilä which took place on the River Maas offshore the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal. A recorded breaking 68 tugs took part spanning three centuries, from Europe's oldest working steam tug "Rosalie" (1873) to numerous tugs completed in 2006. The parade finished with an amazing tug dance performed by Fairplay, Kotug and SMIT to the sound of "It's a kind of Magic".

As always the spectacular Caterpillar sponsored Gala Dinner/Cabaret was greatly appreciated by the 600 guests who attended. During the meal guests enjoyed preformances by IJs en Weder, (magic) Mr Peabody, a modern dance routine from ISH, and top of the bill, live music by Mr Rotterdam himself, Lee Towers. Dancing went on through the night.