More than 350 world-leading manufacturers and service providers shaping the future of ocean science and technology have booked space at the sold-out show, many with a track record specializing in defense products and services.
The three-day event, which runs from April 8–10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is open to all visitors for free by registering online at www.oceanbusiness.com.
The Minister for Maritime, Aviation, and Security, Mike Kane, will address showgoers in a talk delivered via video.
The Ocean Business conference, starting on Tuesday, April 8, will explore the Royal Navy’s autonomous systems for data collection.
Keynote speakers Commander Mark Butcher of Navy Develop and Andy Liddell of Defense Equipment and Support will provide insights into the Future Military Data Gathering (FMDG) program, discussing the challenges in certification of autonomous systems, standardization of data, and leveraging machine learning for real-time analysis to optimize maritime operations.
On day two of the conference, Claire Budden, Deputy Director of Navy Commercial, kicks off the Doing Business with Defense session, chaired by Sharon Jones, Regional Lead of the Navy’s Maritime Enterprise Engagement.
Against the backdrop of the Strategic Defense Review, the Procurement Act, and fast-changing geopolitics, speakers will highlight how collaboration in innovation supports national security. Technology is creating threats to and opportunities for the UK’s security and prosperity, and staying ahead is vital to maintaining our military advantage.
With talks from DASA (Defense and Security Accelerator), Crown Commercial, a Royal Navy presentation team, and commercial experts in the field, including Ploughshare’s Ned Vardey, the session will investigate how current international activity is changing the procurement pipeline; how the MoD supports science and technology transfer and exploitation; how non-traditional suppliers can enter the defense supply base; and where commercial technologies and services can be applied in defense.
The Society for Underwater Technology, which hosted a Routes for Innovation in the Defense Market session at Ocean Business 2023, said: “It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of professionals coming together to explore and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the subsea defense industry.”
Also on Wednesday, April 9, a Women in Marine Networking Lunch will offer delegates a chance to hear Claire Budden’s thoughts on Empowering Women in Maritime Leadership through innovation and new ways of working.
Ocean Business 2025 features a program of training and demonstrations on the dockside, on board vessels and in the classroom, alongside its main exhibition halls.
Visitors will be able to see the latest developments in transformational ocean technology, from autonomous vehicle underwater monitoring, next generation ROVs, ground-breaking advances in sensor technology, and much more.
Around 30 exhibitors this year have a specific defense remit, from UK companies, including Saab Seaeye, ecoSUB Robotics, and Wavefront Systems, to trusted partners from Canada, France, Denmark, Germany, Australia, and the US.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organizer Diversified Communications, said: “Ocean Business 2025 will bring together ocean technology trailblazers from across the world for three days of exciting product launches, innovation, and ideas across a range of sectors, not least, defense, and security.
“We look forward to welcoming both Ocean Business regulars and first-time showgoers for what promises to be a bumper exhibition, with unbeatable opportunities for doing new business, sealing deals, networking, and hearing industry updates.”
