The Global Nexus For Ocean Technology
Demonstrating its ability to evolve and expand to tackle the sector’s most pressing technical, environmental, and operational challenges, Oi26 promises to deliver an unparalleled global platform for the innovative technology, breakthrough solutions, and thought leadership that are shaping the future ocean economy.
Exploration, environmental monitoring, sustainable marine engineering, and the ocean enterprise are among the key themes set to dominate during the three-day exhibition and conference program.
A new COAST exhibition focus and conference track has been launched to further enhance the traditionally diverse Oi event in response to the critical challenges facing our coasts in the face of storms, flooding, erosion, and rising sea levels.
Opening the door for leading companies in the coastal and shallow waters field to join the global gathering, the fresh emphasis on the sector will highlight developments in coastal protection, erosion control, sediment transport analysis, shoreline stabilization, and climate adaptation that support sustainable coastal development and ecosystem protection.
Exhibitors Unveil Latest Innovations
The spotlight will be on new launches on the 20,000 m2 exhibitor floor and demonstrations at the live in-water dockside location on the Royal Victoria Dock, with hundreds of exhibitors preparing to introduce products and showcase developments across the fast-paced ocean technology, science, and engineering sectors.
With every continent in the world represented, Oi’s international profile is as strong as ever. The show floor is expected to host more than 450 exhibitors, international pavilions, SMEs, start-ups, accelerators, and innovation clusters.
Leading exhibitors returning for 2026 include Fugro, which is also a sponsor of the Ocean Futures stage, Teledyne Marine, Saab Seaeye, Kongsberg Discovery, General Oceans , and many more, while over 100 first-time exhibitors will also be on show, including specialist geospatial service provider Ocean Ledger, which will be making its debut in the COAST exhibition zone.
Robert Hoddenbach, Global Director for Climate and Nature, Fugro, said: “Oceanology International is one of the main events for the industry. Fugro has been mapping, modeling, and monitoring the oceans for the last 70 years, and this is one of the premier locations to showcase our solutions and our vast expertise in technology. It’s also a way to engage with the market that is quickly changing. Furthermore, it’s a way for us to showcase our new technologies, like our satellite derived bathymetry, our RAMMS Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry, but also our USVs.”
Pioneering Insight at Oi Conference
The full Oi conference program features a compelling line-up of industry-leading speakers taking to the Ocean Futures Theatre stage and other locations, promising to spark insightful discussion that defines the future of ocean technology and drives real-world change across global marine and offshore sectors.
There will be deep dives into a range of technical topics including: Uncrewed Vehicles & Vessels, in partnership with official media supporter Ocean Robotics Planet; Hydrography, Geophysics, & Geotechnics; Site Investigation; Ocean Observation; Navigation & Positioning; Maritime Domain Awareness; Offshore Energy; Marine Data, Analytics, & AI; Underwater Communication & Navigation; Ocean Exploration.
Among the key contributors to the 2026 conference program is Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries, EU Commission, who will give a keynote speech on ‘The Future of the Blue Economy’ in the Ocean Futures Theatre.
Claire Jolly, Lead of the Ocean Economy program at OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), will give the opening keynote for a plenary session to explore the scale and scope of the Ocean Economy and the likely trajectory of its future development.
She said: “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.”
In the Coast Theatre, Dr. Jon Rees, Principal Oceanographer, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), will give a keynote focusing on ‘The Future of Coastal Marine Conservation and Restoration’; Caroline Douglass, Executive Director, Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency, will address the current challenges in coastal resilience and flood defense; and Mick Cook, SUT UXO Special Interest Group, will present Guidance Notes for Risk Identification and Common Mitigations related to Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) for Offshore Renewable Energy Developments. Andy Hill, Marine Geohazards Technical Authority, Safety and Operational Risk Division, BP, is another of the top speakers lined up at Oi26.
How Oi Answers Today’s Pressing Challenges
Solutions from AI, robotics and autonomous systems, to GIS, cloud analytics and integrated platforms, to monitoring, resilience and compliance technology, will enable engineers, scientists, operators, surveyors and geotechnical professionals to discover and assess next-generation marine technology, while learning more about how the latest ocean innovations can advance sustainable practices, cut costs, improve safety and lower risk.
David Ince, Oi Event Director, said: “Oi26 is positioned to deliver real impact—not only through the show floor product launches and a wide ranging conference program, but also through networking and Ocean Social events, technology workshops and training, and the unique Future Tech Hub for start-ups and tech-accelerators.
“There are several significant themes which will come to the fore in response to the strategic challenges facing the industry and the demand for solutions.
“The new COAST focus will raise the profile of key topics, including climate resilience and coast protection. With coastal zones under increasing threat, Oi26 will showcase innovative technologies that strengthen coastal resilience and adaptive infrastructure. Real-time data and predictive modelling are vital for coastal planning and disaster response, so Oi will also offer the chance to explore integrated monitoring platforms and early warning systems that improve decision-making. The balance between economic activity and environmental protection is a coastal imperative which will also be addressed by the sharing of ocean technologies which support sustainable tourism, aquaculture, and coastal livelihoods.
“Upskilling the workforce is always an important aspect at Oi, with access to live demos, workshops, and peer learning enabling ocean professionals to evaluate and adopt AI, robotics, and autonomous systems, and other new technologies.
“Surveyors and geotechnical professionals will see solutions in GIS, cloud analytics, and integrated platforms, understanding more about the power of the latest generation of scalable, interoperable data tools that can transform rapidly growing volumes of subsea data into strategic insight.
“With rising pressures to meet environmental mandates, Oi also highlights innovations in monitoring, resilience, and compliance technology which advance sustainable ocean practices. Meanwhile, remote and autonomous technologies are showcased as key tools for efficiency and safety—especially in hydrography and deep-sea operations.
“Oi tackles the ocean sector’s talent shortage through hands-on training, technical briefings, and collaborating with global experts, while networking events and international partnerships support cross-border collaboration and commercial growth.”
Networking sits at the core of Oceanology International, with opportunities specifically designed to connect exhibitors with the right people. In partnership with UKRI Edge, Oi delivers free, brokered meetings that facilitate real opportunities capable of advancing critical projects. These complimentary meetings take place directly on the show floor.
Ocean professionals and stakeholders, spanning industry, government, and academia, from engineers, hydrographers, and geotechnics to energy professionals, oceanographers, site investigators, marine surveyors, and many more will unite across a wide range of sectors, including offshore renewables, oil & gas, ocean observation, defense, maritime security, marine science, ports, aquaculture, and subsea.
With a commitment to connect the global ocean and coastal community, Oi26 takes place from March 10 to 12, 2026, at Excel London.
For more information or to register, visit the Oi26 website.
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