Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Ocean Business 2027 is the global meeting place for ocean science and technology professionals.
Connect with thousands of the industry’s brightest minds, and share ideas to help define the future of ocean technology.
From cutting-edge surveying innovation to the latest marine autonomous systems, you’ll find hundreds of solutions to transform your business in 2027 and beyond.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Ocean Business 2027 takes place from April 6 to 8 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key meeting point for ocean science and technology professionals, showcasing innovations in marine autonomy and ocean observation.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Diversified Communications UK, known for their expertise in the ocean technology sector.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry leaders, researchers, and professionals from the ocean science community.
- 5Entry: Free to attend, with registration available online.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and solutions in ocean science. The event offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and access to live demonstrations of the latest equipment. Participants can engage in discussions about the future of ocean technology and its impact on the blue economy. Programme highlight: Clock vs. Code: Optimizing Quality Control in Automated Boulder Detection and Marine Geophysical Data...
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will showcase their innovations to a targeted audience of ocean science professionals. The event provides a platform for companies to connect with potential clients, partners, and industry influencers. Exhibiting at Ocean Business enhances visibility and demonstrates commitment to advancing ocean technology.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hydrographic surveyors and survey managers planning multibeam, side-scan and sub-bottom survey campaigns
Oceanographers and marine geoscientists sourcing sensors, CTDs, ADCPs and data-processing software
Offshore renewables and subsea cable teams scoping survey, ROV and inspection contractors
ROV, AUV and USV operators evaluating vehicles, tooling and launch-and-recovery systems
Port, harbour and coastal authorities responsible for dredging, charting and marine infrastructure
Naval and defence hydrographic offices and maritime security teams
Marine survey, geospatial and charting consultancies comparing instrument and software suppliers
University and research institute groups from ocean science, marine engineering and geophysics departments
Environmental monitoring, fisheries and coastal agencies buying metocean and water-quality instrumentation
Marine data specialists assessing acquisition, processing, charting and archive platforms
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of multibeam echosounders, sonars, current profilers and oceanographic sensors
Survey and geophysical service contractors offering offshore acquisition and data processing
ROV, AUV and USV builders, plus launch-and-recovery and tether handling suppliers
Subsea positioning, acoustics, navigation and communication system providers
Marine software houses for survey data processing, charting, GIS and data management
Offshore energy, subsea cable and dredging contractors seeking survey and inspection partners
Instrumentation distributors and rental companies serving survey fleets and research vessels
Research institutes, university spin-outs and technology transfer bodies presenting projects
Vessel operators and charter companies serving survey and research campaigns
Calibration, metrology, certification and training providers for marine instrumentation
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Ocean technology and marine instrumentation
Underwater vehicles (USV/UUV) and autonomy systems
Marine geophysical and hydrographic survey equipment
Sonar and subsea sensors
Marine measurement and metrology equipment
Dockside and on-water demonstration kit
Location & Facilities
Venue
National Oceanography Centre
National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
Facilities
Parking
National Oceanography Centre in Southampton typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: National Oceanography Centre in Southampton typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at National Oceanography Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Diversified Communications UK LTD
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Southampton, UK
Why it matters
Attending Ocean Business on 2027-04-06 to 2027-04-08 in Southampton lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Smart Shipping and Maritime Technology News - Seatrade Maritime News
www.seatrade-maritime.com/ship-operations/maritime-technology 2026-10-06T00:00:00.0000000
SeaNews - Maritime, Ports, Environment, Technology, and More
seanews.co.uk
Uk Shipping News - MarineLink
www.marinelink.com/news/maritime/uk-shipping 2025-10-08T00:00:00.0000000
UK News Archives - Ship Technology
www.ship-technology.com/reporting/uk-news/
Smart Shipping Technology Report - Maritime Research and Innovation UK
marri-uk.org/index.php/our-resources/technical-resources/smart-shipping-technology-report/
UK Marine & Maritime Industry - Insight - The Data City
thedatacity.com/rtics/marine-and-maritime-rtic0084/
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Southampton Central Station / city centreUSD 85–120 / night
Travelodge Southampton Central and Premier Inn Southampton City Centre are practical budget bases near Southampton Central Station; confirm rates and breakfast charges before travel.
Mid-range
West Quay / Ocean Village / city centreUSD 140–190 / night
voco Southampton by IHG and Leonardo Hotel Southampton offer 4-star convenience with a short taxi or local bus ride to the National Oceanography Centre; confirm availability and parking costs before travel.
Premium
Ocean Village / waterfrontUSD 250–350 / night
Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is a well-known waterfront option on the opposite side of the harbour; confirm seasonal rates, spa access and journey times directly.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train
Estimated costGBP 3–6 single journey
Best forSouthampton Central Station to Southampton Town Quay / National Oceanography Centre area
Local rail or onward bus connections from Southampton Central; check operator timetables and last services before travel.
Bus
Estimated costGBP 2–4 single journey
Best forSouthampton city centre to National Oceanography Centre / Dock Gate 4
Local bus operators serve the waterfront and docks area; exact routes and timetables should be confirmed locally before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costGBP 12–18
Best forSouthampton city centre to National Oceanography Centre
Metered taxi or rideshare; journey times can vary with traffic and cruise-ship schedules. Confirm before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costGBP 25–40
Best forSouthampton Airport (SOU) to National Oceanography Centre
Nearest airport; direct taxi or rideshare is the simplest option with luggage. Confirm fixed fares with the operator before travel.
Train
Estimated costGBP 5–9 single journey
Best forSouthampton Airport Parkway to Southampton Central Station
Frequent rail link from Southampton Airport Parkway to Southampton Central, then local onward travel to the venue. Confirm timetables before travel.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Southampton in April is mild and changeable: expect cool mornings, occasional showers and brisk coastal breezes at the waterfront National Oceanography Centre site. Pack a waterproof layer and comfortable walking shoes for the dockside and outdoor demonstration areas.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi-Fi availability varies - confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows unless meetings require formal attire; on the quay at the National Oceanography Centre, weatherproof outdoor layers are more useful than a suit.
Arrival
Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation, and allow extra time at the waterfront site where demonstration areas and halls are spread out.
Currency and payments
The UK uses pound sterling (GBP); contactless cards are widely accepted in Southampton, though carrying a small amount of cash is useful for small purchases.
Tipping
Restaurant bills sometimes include a service charge; otherwise around 10 percent is customary. Tipping is not expected for drinks ordered at a pub bar.
Greetings and meetings
A handshake and first names are standard on UK exhibition stands; business cards are exchanged but the tone is generally informal and technical.
Weather on the waterfront
April in Southampton is mild and changeable with cool mornings, showers and brisk coastal breeze; pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for dockside walking.
Punctuality and queuing
Meetings and sessions start on time, and queuing is the norm at registration desks and catering points. Build buffer time into your schedule between halls and demos.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Southampton; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Many nationalities can visit the UK for business under the Standard Visitor route, which permits attending conferences and trade fairs. Check GOV.UK for whether you need a visa before travelling.
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
The UK Standard Visitor route covers attending meetings, conferences and trade fairs. Check your nationality on the official GOV.UK guidance to confirm whether a visa is required.
OfficialHotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-04-05
Check-out (recommended)
2027-04-08
Areas to stay
Ocean Village / waterfront · Southampton Central Station / city centre · West Quay / Ocean Village / city centre
budget
GBP 85-120/night
mid range
GBP 140-190/night
premium
GBP 250-350/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Southampton; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Oceanography Centre: Southampton Central Station / city centre: Southampton Central Station / city centre; West Quay / Ocean Village / city centre: West Quay / Ocean Village / city centre; Ocean Village / waterfront: Ocean Village / waterfront.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Southampton; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Public transport links connect Southampton Central Station with the National Oceanography Centre on the waterfront; check current bus and rail options and live fares before travel.
Parking: On-site parking is available at National Oceanography Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Cool spring conditions typical of Southampton in April; days are mild with chilly mornings and evenings - check a live forecast before travel.
Seasonality: April is a showery spring month in Southampton; rain is possible on any day and coastal wind is common at the waterfront venue.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes for the dockside venue and outdoor demonstrations.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Ocean Business usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2Ocean Business registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£170.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£320.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Ocean Business fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Hydrography
- The measurement and description of the physical features of bodies of water and the adjacent land, including water depth, seabed shape and the position of features, used for navigation charts and marine engineering.
- Bathymetry
- The underwater equivalent of topography: the measurement of water depth and the mapping of seabed relief, normally produced as gridded or contoured depth data.
- Multibeam echosounder (MBES)
- A sonar system that transmits a fan of acoustic beams across the survey track to map seabed depth and backscatter in swaths, rather than along a single line.
- Side-scan sonar
- A towed or hull-mounted sonar that images seabed texture and objects by recording acoustic returns to port and starboard, widely used for target detection and geological mapping.
- Sub-bottom profiler
- A low-frequency acoustic system that images layers beneath the seabed, used to map sediment thickness, buried channels and buried cables or pipelines.
- ROV (remotely operated vehicle)
- An uncrewed underwater vehicle tethered to a surface vessel and controlled by an operator, used for inspection, survey, intervention and sampling tasks.
- AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle)
- A pre-programmed, untethered underwater vehicle that runs a survey mission independently and is recovered to download data, often used for deep-water or under-ice mapping.
- USV / ASV (uncrewed or autonomous surface vessel)
- A crewless surface craft used for hydrographic survey, metocean monitoring or data relay, ranging from small survey platforms to long-endurance ocean-going craft.
- ADCP (acoustic Doppler current profiler)
- An instrument that measures water current speed and direction through the water column using the Doppler shift of acoustic pulses, and can also estimate vessel speed over ground.
- CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth)
- A standard oceanographic sensor package that records salinity (from conductivity), temperature and pressure with depth, often mounted on a rosette with water-sampling bottles.
- IHO S-44 and S-100
- International Hydrographic Organization standards: S-44 sets minimum survey accuracy for hydrographic surveys, while S-100 is the framework for modern marine geospatial data standards and product specifications.
- Metocean data
- Combined meteorological and oceanographic measurements such as wave height, current, wind and tidal information, used for offshore operations planning, design and environmental monitoring.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Ocean Business
- Ocean Business 2027
- Ocean Business Southampton
- Ocean Business Southampton 2027
- Ocean Business National Oceanography Centre
- Ocean Business exhibition 2027
- ocean technology trade show 2027
- ocean technology expo Southampton
- marine instrumentation exhibition UK
- underwater vehicles USV UUV expo
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.