Do business with defence at Ocean Business 2025
Monday, 24th March 2025
Defence and security will be a key focus of Ocean Business 2025, the global technology and science exhibition for marine industries.
More than 350 world-leading manufacturers and service providers shaping the future of ocean science and technology have booked space at the sold-out show, many with a track record specialising in defence products and services.
The three-day event, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is free to all visitors who register online at www.oceanbusiness.com.
The Minister for Maritime, Aviation, and Security, Mike Kane, will address showgoers in a talk delivered via video.
The Ocean Business conference, starting on Tuesday, April 8, will explore the Royal Navy’s autonomous systems for data collection.
Keynote speakers Commander Mark Butcher of Navy Develop and Andy Liddell of Defence Equipment and Support will provide insights into the Future Military Data Gathering (FMDG) programme. They will discuss the challenges in certifying autonomous systems, standardising data, and leveraging machine learning for real-time analysis to optimise maritime operations.
On day two of the conference, Claire Budden, Deputy Director of Navy Commercial, kicks off the Doing Business with Defence session, chaired by Sharon Jones, Regional Lead of the Navy’s Maritime Enterprise Engagement.
Against the backdrop of the Strategic Defence Review, the Procurement Act and fast-changing geopolitics, speakers will highlight how collaboration in innovation supports national security. Technology is creating both threats to and opportunities for the UK’s security and prosperity, and staying ahead is vital to maintaining our military advantage.
With talks from DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator), Crown Commercial, a Royal Navy presentation team, and commercial experts in the field, including Ploughshare’s Ned Vardey, the session will investigate how current international activity is changing the procurement pipeline; how the MoD supports science and technology transfer and exploitation; how non-traditional suppliers can enter the defence supply base; and where commercial technologies and services can be applied in defence.
The Society for Underwater Technology, which hosted a Routes for Innovation in the Defence Market session at Ocean Business 2023, said: ‘It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of professionals coming together to explore and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the subsea defence industry.’
Also, on Wednesday, April 9, a Women in Marine Networking Lunch will offer delegates a chance to hear Claire Budden’s thoughts on Empowering Women in maritime leadership through innovation and new ways of working.
Ocean Business 2025 features a training programme and demonstrations on the dockside, onboard vessels and in the classroom, alongside its main exhibition halls.
Visitors will be able to see the latest developments in transformational ocean technology, including autonomous vehicle underwater monitoring, next-generation ROVs, ground-breaking advances in sensor technology, and much more.
This year, around 30 exhibitors have a specific defence remit, from UK companies, including Saab Seaeye, ecoSUB Robotics, and Wavefront Systems to trusted partners from Canada, France, Denmark, Germany, Australia, and the US.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Ocean Business 2025 will bring together ocean technology trailblazers from across the world for three days of exciting product launches, innovation and ideas across a range of sectors, not least, defence and security.
‘We look forward to welcoming both Ocean Business regulars and first-time showgoers to what promises to be a bumper exhibition, with unbeatable opportunities for doing new business, sealing deals, networking, and hearing industry updates.’
