ASIA - Reed Exhibitions is expecting more than 190 international exhibitors to attend its inaugural Oceanology International, following claims the Chinese government has boosted funding for oceanography in the country.
The organiser said the funding will support areas including exploration, research and deep-sea technologies, “and major marine science institutions award grants worth tens of millions of US dollars to lead studies into the geology and biology of key bodies of water like the South China Sea,” according to James Coleman, event director at Reed Exhibitions.
The show will be held on 3-5 September at Shanghai's Intex venue, having launched from Reed's UK-based biennial marine and ocean science and technology show brand in London.
The event is being endorsed by the Chinese Society of Oceanography Ocean Observation Technology Branch and is claimed to be the only forum in Asia to bring industry, academia and government together to share knowledge and improve strategies for measuring, protecting and operating in the ocean, with exhibitors attending from over 21 countries.
Coleman said the number of international exhibitors demonstrates how eager the world is to work with China as it develops its rapidly expanding offshore energy and marine industries.
“China’s most recent five-year plan, the 12th Five-Year Plan, was the first ever to include a dedicated chapter on marine development, and the country is firmly established among the ranks of preferred partners for nations wishing to conduct joint oceanography expeditions,” added Coleman.
Content planned for the debut includes a full conference programme covering new technology and service developments, and how these cater to the different parts of the oceanological community.
“We are looking forward to a highly successful three days next month in Shanghai,” said Coleman.
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