Ocean Business 2011

Dr Wendy Watson Wright, Executive Secretary of the IOC and Assistant Director General of UNESCO visited Ocean Business 2011 on 5 April.

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission promotes international cooperation and coordinates programmes in marine research, services, observation systems and capacity development in order to understand and effectively manage the resources of the ocean and coastal seas.

Dr Watson Wright was able to see some of the latest technology developments being used in ocean observing systems and the businesses that make up the growing ‘blue economy’.

Ocean Business 2011, the hands-on technology exhibition and training forum (5–7 April 2011) will bring almost 300 companies to NOC in Southampton.

The three-day event is a showcase for suppliers and service providers, but also offers training and demonstration sessions, a parallel offshore survey conference and a careers and recruitment event, Ocean Careers.

Ocean Business gives attendees the opportunity to ‘test-drive’ products and systems – including underwater vehicles and sonar and imaging equipment – with more than 180 hours of training and demonstration workshops.

Ocean Careers will underline the fact that a range of transferable skills and qualifications in engineering, science or mathematics can be used in the large and diverse marine sector, which is currently experiencing a skills shortage. The range of opportunities encompasses the mineral and hydrocarbon extraction, telecoms and defence industries, as well as leading-edge technology development.

Offshore Survey 2011 is a specialist conference that is held alongside Ocean Business focusing on technical and business issues in the global field of offshore surveying.

Ocean Business 2011 also has a very active social and networking element with a Gala Dinner and popular wine trail.

The event is organised by Intelligent Exhibitions in partnership with the Association for Marine Scientific Industries and NOC. It is supported by a range of professional and industrial organisation.

NOC staff are encouraged to attend, it is an opportunity for to liaise with an expected 4,000 potential collaborators and suppliers from across the globe.