Ocean Business 2023 Conference Program Announced

Preparations for next month’s Ocean Business 2023 are well underway, with a sold-out exhibition plus a full conference program, more details of which can now be unveiled.

The roll-call of conference speakers reflects the scope and ambition of the sector as it gathers together for the global marine technology and science show, to be held at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton from April 18-20.

With the theme Sustainability for our Oceans, the opening session of the conference, taking place on Tuesday, April 18, will focus on technology in a changing climate and look at how the ocean science community is meeting challenges in the blue economy.

Sector leaders at the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), Marine Technology Society (MTS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and industry partners will be reporting their findings from the recently launched Ocean Decade action initiative and highlighting the potential for a next-generation global ocean observing system to meet the needs of the blue economy.

The speakers include Zdenka Willis of MTS, Emma Heslop of GOOS, and Ralph Rayner of NOAA, along with Peer Fietzek, Senior Business Development Manager Ocean Science at Kongsberg Maritime.

Sonardyne Business Development Manager Aidan Thorn will chair the Autonomy Operations session, with a presentation from UTEC’s Lead Surveyor, Torsten Marten, on the company’s new USV solution to accelerate subsea survey and inspection. Marten will also discuss the enabling communications technology that is a prerequisite for any remote survey operations.

Next up, in the Autonomy Regulations session, Esmè Flegg, the Code Vessel Policy Lead at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, will provide an update on the national and international regulatory developments for autonomous vehicles, and Matthew Palmer, the Global Naval Business Lead at Lloyds Register, will discuss the LR Unmanned Marine Systems Code set up in conjunction with industry.

Also not to be missed is a new Pan-Sector Workshop and Panel, which this year will address the trends and challenges for autonomous vehicles in both the marine and aviation sectors. Session Chair Ruth Mallors-Ray, Director of RMR Consultants, will introduce a notable line-up of participants, including Ajit Jacob of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Tim Wilkes of Nash Maritime, Adam Parnell of CHiRP, Julia Jiggins of Thales, and Richard Derrett-Smith of Egis Aviation.

Another conference highlight is the Future Workforce session, which will focus on the science of surveying at sea. Becky Conway, CEO of THS:UKI, will explain how the company is supporting the future hydrographic workforce and promoting the status of the hydrographic profession.

Among the final talks of the day, Gordon Meadow, CEO and Founder of SeaBot Maritime, will emphasize the importance of human-centered digital transformation; Maritime UK’s Stuart Baker will offer an overview of the Solent’s world-leading maritime cluster; and Mike Liddell of Fugro will consider the revolution in marine geodata acquisition and what it means for the future workforce.

Gordon Johnston, Director of Venture Geomatics and Ocean Business conference chair, said: ‘We’re really looking forward to this year’s conference, with topical themes and a brand new Pan-Sector Marine and Aviation workshop session. As the industry experiences incredible change, we have some great speakers and influencers to uncover the challenges and opportunities and to discuss how these will direct and impact our future work.’

Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organizer Diversified Communications, said: ‘Our conference program promises a who’s who of the industry and we are looking forward to a day of exciting presentations and lively conversations.

‘As the countdown to Ocean Business 2023 begins in earnest, we are now putting the finishing touches on our conference day and will have more announcements to make soon.’

For more details, including updates, of the free to attend one-day event, being held in the Henry Charnock Lecture Theatre (Level 4 NOC), visit https://www.oceanbusiness.com/conference-programme.

More than 300 world leading manufacturers and service providers shaping the future of ocean science and technology have booked space at Ocean Business 2023, which is open to all visitors for free by registering online at www.oceanbusiness.com.