Oceans of Knowledge 2025

Wednesday 8 October 2025 | 09:00-17:30

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

SUT Member – £195 | Non-Member – £245 (excluding VAT)


We are entering an exciting new era of data-driven opportunity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are delivering extraordinary advances in science and technology.

These capabilities have the potential to lead to some of the greatest developments in our history, with the oceans being no exception.

This conference will set this critical future use of ocean-related AI/ML into the context of the associated scientific, technological, operational and ethical/data management challenges.

Why join us in Southampton?

  • Become familiar with expert contemporary thinking on emerging technologies in the marine space and how you fit in
  • Hear from ground-breaking speakers from all aspects of oceanography, artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Understand what our industry could look like in the near future
  • Better placed to consider how you and your organisation can prepare for industry changes
  • Progress your own continuing professional development (CPD)
  • Expand your network of peers and develop vital relationships

Speakers:

  • Dr Sophie Arana, The Alan Turing Institute
  • Professor Jennifer Brown, National Oceanography Centre
  • Dr Tom Catchpole, CEFAS
  • Professor Stephen de Mora FIMarEST, President, IMarEST
  • Dr Rachel Furner, ECMWF
  • Dr Marcus Juniper, MET Office
  • Antonella Maia Perini, The Alan Turing Institute
  • Dr Ajit Pillai, University of Exeter
  • Professor Ralph Rayner FIMarEST, Co-chair IMarEST Operational Oceanography SIG
  • Professor Caroline Rowland, Met Office
  • Professor John Siddorn, National Oceanography Centre
  • Dr Jozef Skakala, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
  • Dr Jonathan Smith, British Antarctic Survey
  • Dr Edward Steele, MET Office

The discount to use to get the member rate is : EP25

THS:UKI Scotland Branch – Local Coast and Marine Conservation

Wednesday 24 September 2025 | 18:30-21:00

Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen

£15 (includes buffet)


THS:UKI Scotland Branch is pleased to invite you to an evening event – Local Coast and Marine Conservation

Doors open at 18:30 for a light buffet and networking. Our speakers and the title of their presentations are as follows:

  • Dr Lauren Smith / Project Manager / Turning the Plastic Tide

“Grampian Guardians: Cleaner Coasts and Marine Education in Action”

  • Frances Coombey / Programmes & Operations Manager + Acting CEO / Greyhope Bay

“Growing With Purpose: Facility Expansion Rooted in Community Collaboration”

SUT+ October Site Visit to the TechnipFMC XT Factory

21 October 2025 | 13:10-14:45

TechnipFMC Dunfermline Campus, KY11 8UD


Join SUT+ for an exclusive opportunity to explore TechnipFMC’s Dunfermline Campus! This flagship site is a global centre of excellence for subsea production systems, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

The Dunfermline Campus plays a key role in the design, development, and delivery of subsea technologies that support safe, efficient, and sustainable offshore energy production. During the visit, attendees will gain insight into TechnipFMC’s world-leading subsea systems, innovative manufacturing processes, and commitment to driving the energy transition.

This site visit will feature:

  • An introduction to TechnipFMC’s operations and its role in shaping the subsea industry
  • A guided facility tour, including: Component Manufacturing (weld shop & paint shops), and Assembly & Test facilities
  • Presentations from engineers and specialists on cutting-edge subsea technologies and projects
  • Opportunities for networking and Q&A with industry professionals

Aimed at graduate engineers, students, and developing professionals, this visit offers an excellent chance to learn first-hand about the subsea christmas tree manufacturing process, how these critical pieces of equipment interface with subsea equipment, and the latest technologies employed by one of the industry’s leading companies!

This site visit will take place at the TechnipFMC Dunfermline Campus, Pitreavie Business Park, Queensferry Road, Dunfermline, KY11 8UD.

Please arrive at the reception area promptly at 13:10 to begin the visit.📍

Please note that participants are required to make their own way to the venue. 🚗

Underwater Asset Security and Protection

Tuesday 23 September 2025 | 17:45 – 20:00

Nautical Institute HQ, London, SE1 7JY


The security of critical subsea infrastructure (interconnector pipeline and cables) remains an issue of great concern and there is little in recent news to give hope that these concerns will reduce in the years ahead.  Join the SUT and the Nautical Institute to explore the evolving challenges of underwater asset security and the surveillance of critical subsea infrastructure. This event examines responsibilities, risks, and future innovations to safeguard the vital networks beneath our oceans.

Presentations:

Surveillance and Protection of Underwater Infrastructure – Chris O’Flaherty, Nautical Institute

Chris O’Flaherty is an underwater warfare specialist and a former head of the Royal Navy’s warfare evaluation and tactical development centre. He will discuss the core factors to be considered when developing strategies for the surveillance and protection of underwater assets, including some technological options and the associated balancing of risk, reward and investment.

 

Safeguarding Subsea Infrastructure: Challenges, Responsibilities, and Future Innovations – Jon Capanda, Wood PLC

Jonathan Capanda is a Subsea Project Manager with a background in pipeline and subsea engineering, his expertise is in Emergency Pipeline Repair Strategies and over the last few years has a growing interest in subsea infrastructure protection

The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022 exposed the vulnerability of Europe’s critical energy infrastructure, a concern reinforced by subsequent incidents involving the Finland–Estonia Baltic Connector in 2023 and many more incidents to subsea fibre-optic cables. These events underscore the growing threat of cold war “style” tactics, prompting governments and industry stakeholders to adopt urgent monitoring and protective measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.

For the past three decades, relative geopolitical stability has enabled the cooperative development of energy infrastructure. However, the recent rise in incidents may signal a shift toward “grey zone” activities, with implications for legislations and regulation, design standards, project risks, and the capital and operational costs of future infrastructure projects.

Wood explores the industry’s current position within this evolving threat landscape, focusing on:
•  A brief history of subsea infrastructure
•  Challenges in enhancing subsea infrastructure resilience
•  Responsibilities for subsea infrastructure protection
•  Practical considerations for implementing technologies
•  Future innovations

SUT+ November Site Visit to the National Subsea Centre

10 November 2025 | 15:00-17:00

National Subsea Centre, Amphitheatre, Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ


Join SUT+ for fascinating opportunity to explore the National Subsea Centre, hosted at the Robert Gordon University School of Computing, Engineering and Technology! The NSC is the national centre of excellence for subsea research, engineering and technological development.

The NSC is focussed on four industrially relevant research programs: Transparent Ocean, Integrated Energy, Net Zero Operations, and Cyber Physical Systems. This site visit will provide a deep dive into the latest research conducted by the centre, alongside a facility tour, a project showcase and opportunities for networking!

Aimed at graduate engineers, students, and developing professionals, this site visit will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about ongoing subsea research and cutting edge emerging technologies which aim to revolutionise the industry.

This site visit will be start at the Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ. Please be at the Amphitheatre in the Sir Iain Wood Building atrium at 15:00 sharp to start the visit.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Course – SAVE THE DATE!

Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle

Continuing to build our international reputation for ocean and marine engineering and science training, the SUT is repeating its 3-day in-person course in Offshore Wind Renewable Energy to include visits to key sites based in the Newcastle area.

The course is designed for:

  • Professional non-engineers who would benefit from understanding the offshore wind energy industry
  • Engineers and technical staff who are new to this sector or making the transition from another industry
  • Technical staff in the sector who would benefit from broadening their understanding of the sector.

The course will be delivered over three days of presentations and site visits by Industry and academic experts, with an emphasis on the practical applications.

 

Further information coming soon!

SUT AGM – London – SAVE THE DATE!

Annual General Meeting and Reception

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Society for Underwater Technology will be held on Thursday 4 December 2025.
Further information to follow

Subsea Expo

 

Click here to register for this FREE 2-day conference organised by the Global Underwater Hub.

Aberdeen Evening Meeting – SAVE THE DATE!

19 November 2025 | 18:00-20:00

Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, Aberdeen

Registration – £15 SUT members / £25 non-members (+ VAT) / £10 students

PLEASE NOTE: Your ticket includes a buffet meal.  There is a bar on site where you can buy a good selection of drinks.


Aberdeen Evening Meeting – Presentation details coming soon!

THS:UKI – Super Summer Social

Thursday 28 August 2025 | 18:30 – 21:30

The Ivy Lodge, 62-64 Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY


 

THS:UKI Scotland Branch is pleased to extend an invitation to their annual Super Summer Social 2025, on the 28 August at The Ivy Lodge, 62-64 Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY

Join like-minded professionals for an unforgettable evening of fun, networking and great company. Your £25 ticket includes a refreshing welcome drink on arrival and a street food buffet.  Doors open at 18:30.