Event evolves to encompass broader oceans economy

Structured discussions to promote the oceans economy

SOUTH AFRICA: Following the successful hosting of their maritime defence and security event, Creative Space Media is broadening the scope of their annual conference to encompass the full oceans economy with the launch of the inaugural Oceans Economy Expo 2024.

“We realised that defence and security structures do not operate in a void and that for security and naval services to exists, there has to be a wider discussion as to what we are protecting,” said event organiser Sizwe Zim, Managing Director of Creative Space Media.

The company has worked with key stakeholders including the South African Navy, the South African Police Services, the Department of Defence as well as the Border Management Agency since 2017 when the maritime security conference was launched in Simon’s Town.

With ambitions to create the “Mining Indaba” of the marine and maritime industries, Zim says that this year’s event will include both a traditional exhibition as well as waterside activities to demonstrate the country’s maritime capabilities.

“The event aims to create an integrated and structured discussion and strategic approach to the entire ocean economy, not just in South Africa, but also the entire continent by examining opportunities and threats,” he added.

Confirmed exhibitors include Armscor, Oceana, FFS Refiners, Denel, the South African International Maritime Institute, AMSOL, Damen and more.