UK: Registration for Largest-Ever Oceanology International Open

Registration for the largest-ever Oceanology International (ExCeL London, Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 March 2014) is now open.

With 520 exhibitors from 35 countries taking up over 8,000 m2 net of space, the biennial global forum is where industry, academia and government come together to share knowledge and connect with their peers in the marine technology and ocean science community, thus improving their strategies for measuring, exploiting, protecting and operating in the world’s oceans.

“It is not only the exhibition that is record-breaking, we have an impressive series of eight conferences and three highly topical panel discussions planned by the industry for the industry,” explains Event Director, James Coleman of Reed Exhibitions. “Our committees, under the overall chairmanship of Professor Ralph Rayner have certainly excelled themselves this year putting together highly relevant sessions across the full gamut of topics.

“Attendance at all of the conferences is free of charge for all visitors and exhibitors – over 7,600 from 70+ countries attended the last OI – and we are looking forward to packed halls and highly stimulating presentations, question and answer sessions and panel discussions.“

As Prof Rayner explains: “Whether you are a technologist seeking to understand new applications, a scientist looking into the latest technological tools to support your research or represent an industry that requires ocean data and information to support its business needs, the OI conferences will connect you with new ideas and opportunities.”

Day by Day programmes – Day One

Three day-long conferences ‘Underwater Positioning and Metrology’; ‘Ocean Observing Systems’ (including a ‘quick fire session with companies unveiling their latest technology), and ‘Marine Renewables – Survey, Installation and Maintenance’ get OI 2014 off to a flying start on opening day – Tuesday 11 March.

• Underwater Positioning and Metrology begins with a series of presentations on the theme of project-specific applications of underwater positioning and measurement techniques and then moves to panel discussions on Application of Inertial Navigation to Underwater Positioning; and Use of Imagining Technologies to Aid with Underwater Positioning.

• Ocean Observing Systems 1 starts with a keynote presentation by Dr Harry Kolar of IBM and the highly topical ‘The Results of Oceanology Investigations of the Arctic Expedition from August to September 2013’ by Oleg Bukin of Russia’s Maritime State University. A panel discussion on ‘Why is the Marine Space so Important to Operate in and how can the Different Sectors Participate in and Advance Ocean Observing?’ follows. A second keynote will be delivered by Dr Paul Bunje of XPRIZE and the day ends with a series of quickfire updates from companies showcasing their latest ocean observing technologies.

• Marine Renewables – Survey, Installation and Maintenance features sessions on Marine Renewables Policy and Overview (through the eyes of DECC, RenewableUK, The Crown Estate and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult), Project Development – Pre-construction; Commissioning and Construction; and Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring.

The day also sees the first of three new-to-OI panel discussions. This first half day session is on Subsea Mining, a topic set to very definitely drive demand for marine technology in the near future, with panellists including Professor David Cronan, Emeritus Professor of Marine Geochemistry at Imperial College, and Duncan Cunningham, Director, UK Seabed Resources.

Day Two

Day Two sees the second part of the ‘Ocean Observing Systems’ conference; the half day ‘Underwater Communications’ sessions; ‘Underwater Security’, and ‘Operating in Extreme Environments’ with its focus first on deep water and then on the Arctic taking place.

• Ocean Observing Systems II comprises presentations from Germany, the USA and China on ocean observing/habitat; publishing data; ocean education; and a green global ocean network – the session finishes at lunchtime.

• Maritime Communications is a half-day conference focusing on the real world applications of subsea wireless communications and their practical limitation and considerations.

• Underwater Security will examine new and emerging technologies to support underwater security; threat assessment and decision making; intelligence and data handling; people and process; sensor integration and information fusion; and examples of government/private sector/academic partnerships.

• Operating in Extreme Environments will be split into two parts with presentations focusing on deepwater operations in the morning; and operating in the Arctic under the conference spotlight in the afternoon.

The second day’s discussions on another topic new to OI will be on Aquaculture. The day-long session incorporates a wide range of production systems and species types, encompassing macro- and micro-algae, shellfish, crustacean and finfish, and looks at production for a number of different markets such as food chain, blue biotechnology and renewable energy/biofuels. Sessions on aquaculture in oceanic environments; automated activities and remote sensing; location of aquaculture operations with other marine industry; and water treatment and processing all highlight the relevance to Oceanology International’s audience.

Day Three

The ‘Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Showcase’; ‘Hydrography and Geophysics – Offshore Site Investigations’ feature conference on the third and final day’s agenda along with the Ballast Water panel discussion.

• Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Showcase – this highly popular conference is staged in co-operation with the Society for Underwater Technology, and will feature current analysis of the AUV and ROV market and technology presentations from the industry.

• Hydrography and Geophysics – Offshore Site Investigations features an opening keynote address by Mick Cook, Director, MRC Consultants ‘Introduction of the SUT OSIG Committee Guidance Document for Offshore Wind Farm Site Investigations’ and will also explore data compilation and manipulation: GIS and visualisation; and ‘What is the Way Forward for Geophysical and Geotechnical Integration’.

The half day panel discussion on Ballast Water – New Business Opportunities from Emerging Legislation will explore the exciting new business opportunities that will be created by the emerging legislation and further delve into some of the challenges. Expert panel members will provide an overview of the problem, the potential solutions and the legal framework; and look at how science and technology will play an increasingly vital role in controlling the spread of invasive species.

The traditional Oceanology International Careers Day aimed at graduates and undergraduates from all relevant UK universities complete the conference line-up.

Catch the Next Wave

As in 2012, Oceanology International 2014 will be preceded by the Catch The Next Wave conference on Monday 10 March in central London. Organised in partnership with the Foundation for Science and Technology, this is primarily an invitation-only event, but a limited number of delegate places will be made available on a first-come-first-served basis.

The full programme will be announced in early January 2014. Speakers will include a keynote address by Captain Don Walsh, USN (Retired), International Maritime Inc, who with Jacques Piccard, dived in Trieste in 1960 to the deepest place in the world ocean – 35,840 ft in the Mariana Trench, and his interest continues to this day. Following on from the inaugural event, the conference will continue the exploration of new scientific discoveries, disruptive and emergent technologies, and how they may profoundly influence the ocean technologies of the future.

Strong support and associated events

The Society for Underwater Technology is the learned society patron of Oceanology International, which numbers the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), Society of Maritime Industries and the UK Hydrographic Society amongst its supporting organisations.

A series of associated events taking place during OI 2014 is currently in preparation and will be announced in the New Year.

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Press Release, December 13, 2013