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Oceanology International 2026 has unveiled its comprehensive conference programme featuring a high-profile roster of speakers, moderators, and panellists set to address the global marine and offshore sectors this March.
The three-day event at Excel London will focus on the critical themes defining the trajectory of the ocean economy and the future of marine technology. The full Oi conference programme features a diverse schedule of technical sessions and keynote presentations at the Ocean Futures Theatre stage, COAST Theatre and other locations. A significant addition to the 2026 schedule is the new COAST conference track, which targets innovations in coastal zone management, environmental protection, and infrastructure resilience.
Technical sessions will cover a broad spectrum of engineering and scientific disciplines, including hydrography, geophysics, ocean observation, and underwater communication. Specific attention is being given to the integration of marine data, analytics, and artificial intelligence, alongside developments in offshore energy and maritime domain awareness.
Keynote contributions include European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries, Costas Kadis, who will discuss the future of the blue economy.
Claire Jolly, Lead of the Ocean Economy programme at the OECD, will also present a plenary session exploring the scale and foresight of the global ocean sector. She stated, “Oi is a special hub where you meet many different stakeholders from industries, academia, public sector, and where innovation is really a keyword. The conference is a perfect place where the OECD’s work on the ocean economy foresight will be of interest. I think this audience will particularly appreciate some of our findings.”
The programme also highlights advancements in uncrewed systems. Jim Bellingham of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will deliver a keynote on the evolution of robotics and AI in uncrewed ocean systems. These sessions are supported by Ocean Robotics Planet Magazine and moderated by industry figures including Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, and Richard Mills, CCO of Cellula Robotics Ltd.
Dan Hook commented, “It’s been a huge couple of years in the unmanned systems industry across offshore wind, ocean science, oil and gas, increasingly defence, and various other sectors. I am really looking forward to this series of presentations and panels, because I think there’s going to be a lot of good work that’s been done in the last two years being talked about and a few people are making announcements and presentations of things that people won’t have seen before.”
In the Coast Theatre, technical expertise will be provided by Dr Jon Rees of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and Caroline Douglass of the Environment Agency, focusing on marine conservation and coastal flood risk management. Additionally, Mick Cook will present risk identification guidance for unexploded ordnance in offshore renewable energy developments.
Mehraj Hassan, Oi26 Conference Manager, stated, “The conference programme is a crucial component of Oi’s commitment to foster learning and connection. This year, our full conference programme will reflect the latest topics impacting future ocean technology and economic needs. It will encompass original content aimed at improving strategies for exploring, protecting and sustainably operating in the world’s oceans and waterways.”
Returning to Excel London from 10th to 12th March 2026, the event serves as a global forum for ocean science and engineering, expected to connect thousands of attendees with over 450 exhibitors.
