The organizers of Ocean Business have announced the launch of a new, free-to-attend conference at next month’s event, which takes place on 12-14 October at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK. Running across all three days of the show, the new conference features a program delivered by thought leaders in ocean technology.
Sessions will focus on how business leaders are adapting to the energy transition, net zero carbon targets and sustainability, both in terms of technology and business developments. Speakers include Cathrine Armour, Chief Customer Officer at UK Hydrographic Office; Charlie Thompson, Director of South West Coastal Observatory/Channel Observatory; David Burton, Deputy Head of NATO, UK; Martin Edlund, Chief Executive Officer, Minesto UK; Ruth Adams, Programme Manager, South West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme; Stephen Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Energy Wales, UK; and more.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at Ocean Business, explains: “We’re excited to launch our brand-new Ocean Business conference program for everyone to attend. We have the support of some incredibly high-profile, well respected industry experts who are keen to offer attendees their insight and discuss the future trajectory of the industry. The ocean science and technology community have missed out on so much networking over the last 18 months, and with virtual fatigue kicking in we’re delighted to provide this perfectly timed platform for businesses to gain valuable insight and reconnect face-to-face. It’s one not to be missed!”
Program highlights
The conference will open with a Plenary Session chaired by Gordon Johnston, Director at Venture Geomatics. He says: “Our Ocean and maritime sector is increasingly seen as of strategic and critical importance for a sustainable future. The Plenary session speakers from (UK Gov, NOAA, IOGP and REV Ocean) will provide insights on the strategic and critical aspects, the transitioning of our energy sector, the evolving Blue Economy and the future sustainable opportunities of innovation and business.”
Other day one highlights include two sessions on how to achieve sustainability and a net zero carbon future. Speakers include Associate Director at the NOC, Leigh Story, who will talk about how businesses can manage the transition to net zero, citing results of a scoping study. Fugro’s Alastair McKie will present a case for remote operations in accelerating the energy transition, and Dan Hook, CTO at Ocean Infinity, will discuss the role of robotic fleet technology in net zero operations.
On day two, Dr Jonathan Williams of Marine South East and Intelligent Community Energy will discuss port decarbonization and smart energy solutions. An afternoon session exploring innovation and new opportunities will include talks by Brett Phaneuf, Managing Director of M Subs Ltd and Per Resen Steenstrup, CEO of Reson Waves.
A day three session on autonomy will feature talks from Malik Chibah, Engineering Director at Sonardyne, about enhancing the capabilities of small, unmanned vehicles, and Trevor Pugh, Survey Technical Authority at UTEC, who will share how iXBlue subsea positioning technology benefited a challenging offshore construction project.
To view the full conference program, click here. Gordon Johnston continues: “This year, after all the tragedy and disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s especially pleasing to be holding a face-to-face conference focused on the new, innovative and sustainable. It’s about more than just the developments and changes in the business, it’s about meeting and engaging with leaders and influencers across the ocean professional sector.”
Register now for Ocean Business 2021
To register for FREE to attend Ocean Business 2021 and to find out more about the show, click here.
Ocean Business will take place from 12-14 October 2021 at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK.
