Summary
This event is for global maritime professionals to learn, innovate, and lead in the protection and utilisation of the world’s largest natural resource – oceans
The conference will also highlight how ‘UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’ is attempting to reduce the impact of climate change through renewable energies
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, are jointly conducting OCEANS 2022 Conference and Exposition, the bi-annual event for global marine researchers, technologists and engineers, students, and policymakers, from Feb 21-24.
OCEANS is being conducted in India for the first time, coordinated by the department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, on behalf of the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Ocean Engineering Society (IEEE OES) and Marine Technology Society (MTS). The conference is being held in hybrid mode.
This event is for global maritime professionals to learn, innovate, and lead in the protection and utilisation of the world’s largest natural resource – oceans.
‘Inspire-Innovate-Sustain’ is the main theme of the conference. The delegates will be sharing their experiences on topics related to climate change, global warming, vagaries of weather, combating coastal erosion, marine pollution and microplastics through nearly 400 presentations.
Congratulating NIOT and IIT Madras for getting this conference to India, Madhu Nair, chairman and managing director, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, said at the inaugural session, “It is heartening to note that this conference has been dovetailed into UN Decade of Ocean events. We will discuss this over the next three days. The Key theme of ‘Inspire-Innovate-Sustain’ is also important for today’s generation, which is extremely connected to the environment and speaks clearly about sustainability. The human kind will have to inspire and innovate. We will have to create technologies and solutions that are for the larger good for humankind and the world in a sustainable manner. Ocean mining should not be about exploitation but utilisation.”
The conference will also highlight how ‘UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’ is attempting to reduce the impacts of climate change through renewable energies - offshore wind, wave, OTEC and other forms of alternate sources of energy.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Jhunjhunwala, chief executive, IIT Madras Research Park, which is hosting the event, said, “After solar and wind, oceans are the third source of energy. India is surrounded by oceans and will need this third source of energy. We need to figure out how electricity can be generated from a small wave as current technologies only allow for energy generation from large waves. IIT Madras and the IITMRP will be delighted to work with the stakeholders in this area. One of IIT Madras-incubated Start-up Planys Technologies is making small underwater vehicles for exploring the ocean and has been doing great work.”
Researchers and industrial leaders gather for four days to highlight, discuss and exchange relevant topics and current trends in marine technologies. This will help in creating awareness on advanced research areas, practices, and policies for the marine field
Speaking on the occasion, Christopher Whitt, president, IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, said, “For over 50 years, OCEAN Conference has been singularly important for people working on ocean-related technologies. The plenary session includes top people in the fields of climate change and other areas. We have 40 companies from around the globe showcasing their technologies in the exhibition, being held along with this conference.”
This prestigious conference and exhibition is expected to draw an audience of more than 500 attendees.
GA Ramadass, director, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, said, “We waited 12 years to host OCEANS Conference in Chennai but the wait has been worthwhile, and the timing has been great.”
The highlights of OCEANS 2022 include:
- Over 400 professionally reviewed technical papers, including sessions focused on local themes.
- Plenary sessions with leaders from industry, academia, the military and government.
- 40 exhibitors showcasing latest innovations (products and services) from India and across the globe.
- Poster session featuring outstanding projects from around the world and other student activities.
- Panel discussion covering globally trending topics on IPCC report, COP 27, climate change etc.
- Exclusive session on “Women in Engineering (WIE).
Last updated on 23 Feb 2022
