Organizers unveil speakers and schedule for Oi24 conference programme

Leading professionals from the ocean science and technology industries will gather at Oceanology International in London from 12–14 March. Oceanology International has announced a captivating lineup of esteemed industry leaders and experts to cover a diverse schedule of technical sessions and keynote presentations at this year’s Oi24 conference in London. The thought-provoking three-day conference promises to deliver insightful discussions on the latest innovations and the most pressing challenges in ocean science and marine technology. This will benefit hundreds of visitors and attendees at the ExCeL, the venue where Oi24 is held.

Featuring world-class scientists, thought leaders, company directors, managers, product specialists and innovators at the vanguard of the global ocean tech community, the Oi24 speakers represent an array of talent and knowledge across a spectrum of sectors.

Registration remains open for Oi24, with the technical sessions and Ocean Futures Theatre content free for attendees. The closing keynote conference, Catch the Next Wave: Solutions at the Ocean-Climate Nexus, requires additional registration with a limited number of delegate badges remaining.

David Ince, Oceanology International portfolio director, said: “The Oceanology International conference is an opportunity to learn, to stay ahead of the curve on the latest technologies and trends, and to network and forge connections that will drive your projects and initiatives forward. I encourage anyone in the ocean technology community to register for Oi24 and join us at the free-to-attend sessions. I particularly recommend the ticketed Catch the Next Wave conference on the final day where ocean and environmental leaders will discuss the vital role of the ocean in combatting climate change and biodiversity loss. We are looking forward to a busy week.”

Technical sessions

Taking place in the South Gallery rooms across all three days of Oi24, the technical sessions cover a range of topics and application case studies, as follows:

Tuesday 12 March

• Uncrewed Vehicles and Vessels: Innovative developments and applications in marine autonomous systems, including robotics, AUVs, ROVs and ASVs.
• Ocean Observation and Measurement: Developments in the means to observe and measure the physical, chemical, biological and biogeochemical characteristics of the ocean.
• Navigation and Positioning: Techniques and technologies for navigation and positioning on and below the sea surface.

Wednesday 13 March

• Site Investigation: Latest developments in the means to collect hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical data.
• Data Interpretation, AI and Ocean ICT: Advances in the fields of ocean data communications, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence and their application to aid the interpretation, visualization and use of ocean data.
• Bathymetry Survey: Technologies and techniques that contribute to monitoring and responding to the impacts of climate change on the ocean, or which support climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Thursday 14 March

• Asset Imaging, Integrity Monitoring and Metrology: Latest developments for monitoring the integrity of offshore infrastructure such as oil and gas production facilities and offshore renewable energy installations.
• Offshore Renewable Energy: Application of ocean technology in support of the exploitation of ocean energy resources and enabling the energy transition.

Ocean Futures Theatre

At the Ocean Futures Theatre, the line-up includes an opening keynote by Rick Spinrad, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Administrator, followed by the Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration. Further topics then take centre stage to cover offshore renewables, women in industry, ocean enterprise / industry dialogues, Seabed 2030 – Mapping for People and Planet, ocean innovation, blue finance and investment and the careers panel.

Associated Events

Included in Associated Events is EOOS (European Ocean Observing System) Technology Forum 2024, which takes place over the full day on Wednesday 13 March. Bringing together technology developers, manufacturers and users to exchange knowledge on platforms and sensors, the forum aims to enhance accessibility of ocean observations and explore the technologies and systems transforming the ongoing operations of critical marine observing infrastructure and initiatives.

Additional events are scheduled, including Ocean Enterprise Initiative Dialogues, Hydrographic Society and UXO in the marine environment.

Catch the Next Wave

A premium conference that focuses on innovation at the ocean-climate nexus, Catch the Next Wave takes place on Thursday 14 March and requires additional registration. A high-profile and inspirational list of industry-leading specialists from within and outside of the ocean community will take to the stage to tackle the issues and explore the solutions and options arising from the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Among the highlights is an opening keynote, ‘Rising to the Challenge’, by Sir David King, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, a former chief scientific adviser to the UK government and the founder and chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG), an independent panel of leading international climate experts.

BBC Studios Natural History Unit executive producer Elizabeth White will present on the topic ‘Protecting the Earth’s Living Systems: Making People Care’. She will discuss the extent of the problem and what needs to be done to restore and protect the biodiversity and ecosystem services essential to a liveable planet.

The full Oi24 conference programme and speaker line-up can be viewed here. Registration for CTNW conference is available here, with limited places. To stay updated on Oceanology International 2024, please visit http://www.oceanologyinternational.com.