Ocean Business 2025 features dynamic and packed two-day conference programme
As the countdown to Ocean Business 2025 continues, preparations for this much-anticipated event are in full swing. With an expanded exhibition and an action-packed two-day conference programme, details of which are now being unveiled, the event promises to be a milestone for the global marine technology and science community.
Keynote speakers on day one, Tuesday 8 April, include John Siddorn, NOC Chief Executive, who will delve into the centre’s pivotal role in fostering industry engagement. Andy Liddell from Defence Equipment and Support will provide insights into the future of autonomous systems in the Royal Navy, while Commander Mark Butcher will share perspectives on the technical collaborations within Navy Develop. At the end of the morning session, the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) will present its prestigious Business Person of the Year Award.
In the afternoon, Becky Conway, CEO of the Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland, will moderate a discussion on ‘Future Skills for the Next Generation of Ocean Technology’, alongside Mike Redmayne from Fugro Academy. Chris White from the Australian Maritime College will also offer an Antipodean perspective on training in autonomous maritime systems.
Following an early careers platform for student hydrographers, two pan-sector panels will tackle key issues, including ‘Space and the Marine Environment’. The NOC’s Paul Bell will explore the Remote Sensing Revolution, joined by representatives from the European Space Agency, the Space South Central Enterprise Network and Surrey Satellite Technology.
Future of our ocean
Day two, Wednesday 9 April, will focus on the ‘Future of our Ocean’, with a diverse range of speakers including Ryan Mowat from RS Aqua, Neil Manning of Cellular Robotics Canada and Adam Hamilton from MMA Offshore, Australia. These experts will cover topics from intelligent underwater acoustics to the challenges of renewable energy surveys.
Also featured in the second session of the day, chaired by Trish Buxton of Thurn Group, are talks from John Dillon-Leetch of the Port of London, who will discuss the needs of the UK’s busiest port, and Andrijana Horvat from Hidrocibalae Croatia, providing an update on AI’s role in security challenges. Adam Parnell from the safety at sea charity CHIRP will focus on incident reporting, while Sam Taylor of Ocean Infinity will chart the course for the Armada fleet of uncrewed surface robots.
As the day continues, David Parker and Rob Clarke from the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping and the UK Hydrographic Office will discuss the latest in seabed mapping, joined by Nicola Robinson from ORE Catapult, who will focus on offshore wind, wave and tidal energy. The session will conclude with a panel chaired by Mike King of Sulmara Subsea, exploring how innovations in ocean science are disrupting the status quo.
Connecting the ocean tech community
Ocean Business Conference Chair Sue John said: “I am really excited to be given this opportunity to co-chair the Ocean Business 2025 conference programme. Ocean Business plays a vital role in connecting the global ocean technology community, and I am committed to building on its success by delivering an exceptional platform for innovation, collaboration and growth.”
Cheri Arvonio, event director at Diversified Communications, the event’s organizer, added: “By popular demand, we have extended our conference this year, with two full days of not-to-be-missed presentations from a who’s who of industry leaders. As the countdown to Ocean Business 2025 begins, we are now putting the finishing touches to our programme and will have more announcements to make soon.”
For more details and updates on this free-to-attend event, which will be held in the Seminar Room (Level 4 NOC), visit the Ocean Business 2025 Conference Programme.
