Autonomy takes centre stage at Ocean Connect Asia 2026 in Singapore
The inaugural Ocean Connect Asia (OCA) 2026 in Singapore has been conceived to meet increasing demand for a regional event dedicated to the advancing fields of marine science and autonomous maritime technologies.
OCA 2026 will be held on 31 March to 1 April in Sands Expo Convention, alongside Geo Connect Asia, the region’s leading geospatial and location intelligence event. OCA builds on the success of Marine & Hydro Asia 2025, which attracted 468 visitors as a precursor to the 2026 launch of Ocean Connect Asia.
With the theme Innovation, Autonomy & Technologies for the Ocean & Marine Science Economies, the show and series of conferences will focus on key climate-related challenges, energy market opportunities and geo-intelligence-based solutions to enhance and secure the livelihoods of more than 650 million people, who make up the ASEAN community.
Geospatial and hydrography intertwined
Co-located with the region’s leading geospatial and location intelligence show, Geo Connect Asia, the focus on AI, autonomous, robotics and uncrewed solutions is a theme running across the whole event; the addition of Drones & Uncrewed Asia as a sister show enhances the interplay between technologies being applied to aerial, sea and subsea scenarios.
For the offshore and renewables industries OCA is a meeting place for specifiers, the subsea economy and developers from ASEAN, Australia and beyond, including offshore oil & gas, wind farm and subsea cable operators, amongst others.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the global offshore autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) industries are expected to grow globally by 7.69% CAGR per annum through to 2030 when the market size will reach US$4.1 billion. Mordon Intelligence quotes: “The ASEAN countries, with their extensive coastlines and growing maritime infrastructures, present substantial opportunities for underwater vehicle deployment in port maintenance and offshore energy projects.”
Growing support of industry organizations
OCA 2026 is supported by a growing list of industry organizations, including SMI (Society of Maritime Industries), IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology), SUT (Society for Underwater Technology) Singapore and MyHNA (National Hydrographic Association Malaysia).
In endorsing their support, Raj Nagalingam, chairman of SUT Singapore commented: “As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for subsea and offshore technologies, SUT Singapore is proud to support the launch of Ocean Connect Asia. This initiative plays a vital role in raising awareness of a rapidly evolving industry shaped by innovation and transformation.”
From ocean science to offshore engineering, SUT brings together the people advancing our understanding of the world beneath the waves. Through its active Singapore branch, the society builds connections, shares expertise and supports professional growth across Asia and beyond.
“The rise of autonomous systems, robotics and uncrewed solutions is redefining the landscape, and our members – alongside their partners and clients – are actively engaged in driving these advancements. We look forward to contributing insights, fostering collaboration and promoting meaningful dialogue at OCA 2026, as we work together to shape the future of the subsea and offshore sector,” Nagalingam added.
