Ocean Business 2023 conference programme announced

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.