Technologies that could play a part in the future of the UK oil and gas industry will be showcased at next year's OCEANS 2017 conference in Aberdeen.
The event, which will be held from June 19 – 22, is recognised as the premier forum for the international marine community to present new technologies and discuss their work.
The University of Aberdeen has played a key role in bringing the event to the city, working with the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and Society for Underwater Technology. When last held in Aberdeen in 2007 the event brought over 1,000 delegates to the region, and next year’s event is expected to attract a similar number of visitors.
Among the keynote speakers confirmed for the conference are Professor Dame Anne Glover, Vice Principal for External Affairs at the University and formerly Chief Scientific Advisor to the President of the European Commission. She will be joined by Dr Stef Kapusniak, a world authority on deep sea mining.
Professor John Watson, from the University of Aberdeen, will co-chair the conference along with David Liddle from the Society for Underwater Technology.
Professor Watson said: “Our planning for the conference is going well and our programme includes some excellent content, some of which will be of particular interest to those working in the oil and gas sector, as well as the renewables industry.
“We are confident we will have a great conference here in Aberdeen with some excellent content tailored for local audiences, as well as the opportunity to see the latest ocean technology showcased at the associated exhibition.
“The international delegates will also enjoy some great Scottish hospitality during their visit.”
Rene Garello, President of the Oceanic Engineering Society, was among a number of top officials from the conference organising societies who attended a local committee planning meeting in Aberdeen last week.
He said: “I am delighted to see our conference return to Aberdeen next year, and pleased that the local committee are well ahead with their plans for delivering an excellent conference.”
Drew Michel, Immediate Past President of the Marine Technology Society, added: “Despite the current downturn in the offshore oil and gas industry the ocean science and subsea technology sectors remain strong.
“It is technology such as this which may bring the operating cost savings the oil industry needs, and our conference will highlight some of these advances.”