More than 1000 delegates representing 35 countries, including first time attendee Nigeria, will attend the largest Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sea Power Conference in Sydney from 31 January to 2 February 2012.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AM CSC RAN, will host nearly 50 flag-rank officers of Chief of Navy level from overseas, or their representative, and more than 25 international and local maritime experts who will speak to the conference theme, 'The Naval Contribution to National Security and Prosperity.'

Captain Gordon Andrew, RAN, Sea Power Conference Director, said the conference, now in its twelfth year, is one of the most significant events on the naval and maritime industry calendar.

Cutting edge technology in commercial maritime and naval defence industries and the most comprehensive conference program ever staged will be among the highlights of next week's Pacific2012 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney.

This world class event is recognised as the premier commercial maritime and naval defence industry forum in the Asia Pacific region.

Prime Companies and Small and Medium Enterprises will showcase their capabilities to Australian and International Naval Defence officials and Commercial Maritime leaders from around the world.

Next week's Pacific International Maritime Exposition will take exhibitors and visitors underwater for the first time within the exhibition halls at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

An Unmanned Systems Display Tank will provide exhibitors with a unique opportunity to showcase the latest developments in technology, systems, equipment and services available from the Unmanned Systems Industries.

This is the first time a demonstration area has been available within the Pacific International Maritime Exposition, and will be a major feature of an Unmanned Systems showcase.

Organiser of this month's Pacific International Maritime Exposition will shine the spotlight on the current skills crisis affecting the commercial maritime and naval defence sectors.

Like many key Australian industries, these sectors are suffering from a major skills shortage, which long term, will affect the viability and future sustainability of these industries.

Maritime Australia Limited, organiser of the Pacific2012 International Maritime Exposition, is providing an opportunity for young people, teachers and careers advisors to explore pathways into the exciting job opportunities that exist within the commercial maritime and naval defence sectors.

Two specialist workshops in Sydney will help Small and Medium Enterprises, or SMEs, win new business in Australia's naval and resources markets.

The workshops, which are free to participating companies and registered Trade Visitors, will be held at the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Exposition at Darling Harbour from 31 January to 3 February.

This month's Pacific International Maritime Exposition will feature an international forum on the sustainable fuel issues facing the world's Navies and commercial maritime carriers.

With alternative fuels under the spotlight as Australia comes to terms with the recently introduced carbon tax legislation, this timely conference has attracted experts from around the world.

Organisers of next year's Pacific International Maritime Exposition will present the most comprehensive conference program ever staged at this internationally recognised event.

From January 31st to the 3rd of February, the Pacific2012 exhibition and conference program will cover a broad range of topics which are affecting the commercial maritime and naval defence industries in our region.