Marine tech in focus as OCEANS 2026 kicks off in Sanya

The opening ceremony of OCEANS 2026 took place in Sanya on May 26. The global conference, themed on "To the sea, To the deep", attracted nearly 750 top experts, young scholars, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from 26 countries and regions.

They gathered in the tropical and coastal city of Sanya in China's southernmost Hainan province to engage in extensive discussions at the event, which runs to May 28. Topics will cover deep-sea exploration, marine AI and offshore wind power, among others.

Party Secretary of Sanya and Standing Committee member of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee Wang Qiyang attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

The opening ceremony of the OCEANS 2026 Sanya is held on May 26. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Wang warmly congratulated the participants on behalf of the Sanya Municipal Party Committee and the city government — extending a hearty welcome to all the guests who had traveled from afar.

He highlighted Sanya's role as a core city in Hainan province and a gateway for the Hainan Free Trade Port, emphasizing its rich marine resources and strategic location. Sanya is a key hub for deep-sea technology research and industrial development in both the nation and in Hainan.

Wang called on the conference to capitalize on Hainan FTP's benefits and Sanya's talent policies, deep-sea resources and strategic advantages, boost collaboration with marine research institutions globally, especially with the attending experts, scholars and marine enterprises, so as to work together to protect the blue seas and draw a new blueprint for ocean development.

Party Secretary of Sanya and Standing Committee member of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee Wang Qiyang delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of OCEANS 2026 Sanya. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

This year's conference is co-hosted by the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society and the OCEANS Society.

It covers subjects that ranges from deep-sea exploration and archaeology, to deep-sea mining and environmental assessments and marine AI.

The event also includes technical tutorials, high-level forums and an exhibition showcasing the latest in technologies and equipment from 51 exhibitors worldwide.

During the conference, experts are delivering keynote speeches on marine science, the ocean economy and underwater earthquake monitoring.

A series of academic exchanges, technical collaborations and field visits are also taking place — aiming to harness the benefits of marine technology innovation and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to the global marine industry's high-quality development.