OCEANS ECONOMY CONFERENCE AND EXPO

Conference and Exhibition

The 2025 Oceans Economy Conference and Expo is a two-day high level industry event which brings together key sectors in the commercial and defence maritime industries.

The conference covers the full spectrum of services and products for the sector including logistics and shipping, offshore oil and gas, fisheries, tourism as well as defence and security at sea.
The expo is a showcase of cutting edge technologies, innovative solutions, and industry advancements in the oceans economy sector.
Live demonstrations of vessels, search and rescue and security systems will also form a key highlight of the event.

Day 1: Commercial Maritime

• Exploring South Africa’s Operation Phakisa and its role in unlocking the economic potential of the country’s marine resources.
• Best practices for balancing economic activities with marine conservation efforts.
• Discussing the development and modernization of South Africa’s ports to enhance trade and competitiveness.
• Strategies to promote sustainable tourism while preserving coastal ecosystems.
• Embracing digital transformation, automation, and green technologies in the maritime industry.
• Supporting and integrating small-scale fishers into larger maritime value chains.
• Policy frameworks for managing competing uses of marine space, including energy production, conservation, and commercial activities.
• Addressing the skills gap and creating opportunities for South Africans in maritime professions.
• Examining opportunities for offshore wind, wave, and other renewable energy developments in South Africa’s waters.
• Strategies to address piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats impacting commercial operations.

Day 2: Maritime Security

• Strategies for safeguarding territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) against unauthorized activities.
• Addressing the impact of IUU fishing on South Africa’s oceans economy and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
• Leveraging technology, intelligence sharing, and regional collaboration to monitor and secure South African waters.
• Tackling cybersecurity threats to shipping, port infrastructure, and offshore energy facilities.
• Strengthening partnerships with neighbouring countries, the African Union, and global allies for coordinated maritime defence.
• Exploring the South African Navy’s role in ensuring a secure environment for maritime trade, fisheries, and resource exploitation.
• Discussing trends in piracy, smuggling, and other organized crimes, and effective countermeasures.
• Enhancing capabilities for responding to maritime emergencies, including shipwrecks and natural disasters.
• Ensuring the security of oil rigs, undersea cables, and renewable energy installations in South Africa’s waters.
• Examining how to maintain robust defence capabilities while minimising ecological impacts on marine environments