Deep-sea mining has emerged as a strategic focus globally in recent years; however, the ongoing supply of offshore energy remains a critical bottleneck for deep-sea mining. To explore advancements in deep-sea mining technology, particularly the integration of deep-sea mining with offshore renewable energy technologies, OA 2024 has established a dedicated forum on deep-sea mining and renewable energy integration. This initiative aims to concentrate on strategic industry areas and promote the convergence of these sectors.
The special forum is organized by the Yangtze River Delta Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Equipment Technology Innovation Center, with Xu Lixin, the Director of the Center and Dean of the Marine Resource Development Technology Innovation Research Institute at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, serving as the forum chair. During the forum, he will present a report on "Utilization of Marine Resources and Renewable Energy Development Technologies," emphasizing the critical connection between the development and exploration of marine resources and our country's economy and people's livelihoods. This focus aims to enhance our national comprehensive strength and increase our influence and voice in global maritime affairs.
The conference will be hosted by Cui Lin, the deputy director and researcher at the Yangtze River Delta Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Equipment Technology Innovation Center. Nine domestic and international experts and scholars will discuss current challenges and solutions from the perspectives of deep-sea mining and new energy. Andy Lipman, the Director of Underwater and Mining Operations at American Bureau of Shipping (China) Ltd., Professor Zou Li from Dalian University of Technology, Professor Zhang Jian, the dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, and Assistant Researcher Zhao Guocheng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University will provide in-depth analyses of international regulations on seabed mining, core technologies for deep-sea mineral resource development, related equipment, and seabed mineral technology collection methods. Additionally, Professor Xu Minyi from Dalian Maritime University, Ren Yajun from the Hydropower Planning and Design Institute, Associate Professor Cheng Zhengshun from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Researcher Zheng Siming from Zhejiang University's "Hundred Talents Program" will delve into the latest advancements in new energy technologies such as deep-sea floating wind power and ocean wave energy, focusing on how these technologies can promote the development and application of deep-sea mining.
Driven by the global green wave and the pursuit of carbon neutrality, the integration of deep-sea mining and marine renewable energy is rapidly advancing. Following the successful hosting of a series of annual thematic events at the OA Marine Exhibition, including the "2023 (Hainan) International Marine Renewable Energy Forum," the "2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Renewable Energy Forum," and the "Third China-Pakistan Deep Water Forum," the "Deep-Sea Mining and Renewable Energy Integration Development Forum" at OA 2024 has once again achieved success. This undoubtedly expands the collaborative space for industry-academia-research applications in the fields of deep-sea mining and renewable energy, fostering technological innovation and integrated development within the industry.
Blue Navigators Program
Utilizing the OA as a platform, the Blue Whale Club serves as a hub for professionals in the ocean technology community with clear purchasing intentions and decision-making authority, providing its members with the latest global developments and product information in ocean technology. Throughout the year (before, during, and after exhibitions) the club organises targeted supply-purchase matchmaking events to facilitate international collaboration and drive advancements in ocean technology.
To date, the program has brought together 300+ academicians, experts, and scholars in the ocean technology community. These members play a pivotal role in advancing oceanology through the publication of academic achievements, in-depth discussions, special events, and other initiatives that drive innovation and exploration in the field