Oceans Economy Conference and Expo
21-22 MAY 2025
The 2025 Oceans Economy Conference and Expo is a two-day high level industry event which brings together key phrases 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 the ultimate 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.
WHEN & WHERE
Embark on a voyage
of new business opportunities
6 REASONS TO ATTEND OCEANS ECONOMY CONFERENCE & EXPO
ABOUT THE OCEANS ECONOMY CONFERENCE & EXPO 2025
Taking place 22-23 MAY 2025, the event brings together top-level players in both the general oceans economy and maritime security industries for
high-level discussions and engagements on developments in new technologies for the maritime industry, as well as the protection and promotion
of South Africa’s maritime assets.
- EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS:
AUDIENCE BREAKDOWN
44%
PRIVATE MARITIME AND DEFENCE COMPANIES
36%
GOVERNMENT
14%
STATE-OWNED COMPANIES
6%
INTERNATIONAL ATTACHES
GALLERY
FEATURES AT OCEANS ECONOMY CONFERENCE & EXPO 2025
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
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
2024 EVENT SPEAKERS
Day 1:
Captain Makhosi Mbokazi
Programme Director
Conference Intro
Hon. Makhotso Sotyu
Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Forestry & Environmental Affairs
Keynote Address
Odwa Mtati
CEO, South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
New horizons 2024: The biggest trends in the maritime sector
Ntsiki Mbono
Advisor: Maritime Services, Department of Fisheries, Forestry & Environmental Affairs
Unpacking the Oceans Economy Master Plan
Rajesh Dana
Acting Managing Executive, Transnet National Ports Authority
Unpacking challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s ports infrastructure and operations
Zodwa Velleman
Group Exec: Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Oceana Group Limited, Oceana Group
Insights into South Africa’s Fishing Industry – Sustainability, economic impact, and future prospectus.
Neville Brink
CEO, Oceana Group
Insights into South Africa’s Fishing Industry – Sustainability, economic impact, and future prospectus.
Sue Middleton
Deputy Director General : Fisheries Operations, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Insights into South Africa’s Fishing Industry -Sustainability, economic impact, and future prospects.
Nicollette De Freitas
Director, Fish4Africa
Insights into South Africa’s Fishing Industry – Sustainability, economic impact, and future prospectus.
Innocent Dwayi
Chairman, South African Deep-sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA)
Insights into South Africa’s Fishing Industry – Sustainability, economic impact, and future prospectus.
Loyiso Phantswa
Chairperson, FishSA
Insights into South Africa’s Fishing Industry -Sustainability, economic impact, and future prospects.
Colleen Jacka
Editor, Maritime Review Africa
The impact of port congestion on South Africa’s shipping industry.
Unathi Sonti
CEO, Maritime Business Chamber
The impact of port congestion on South Africa’s shipping industry.
Nomqhele Dube
Analyst, Birguid
Economic insights into South Africa’s fishing industry
Professor Stephan Hosking
South African International Maritime Institute
The Importance of the Maritime Industry: Investigating the ocean economy’s contribution to global trade and economic growth.
Fisokuhle Mbatha
Research Assistant, South African Deep-sea Trawling Industry Association(SADSTIA)
Strategies and challenges in promoting environmental responsibility in South Africa’s fishing industry.
Wilhelm Wasserman
Business Divisional Manager: marine, FFS Refiners
Back to Bunker basics: South Africa’s opportunities
Eva Moloi
Human Capital and Transformation Manager
Bridging the skills development gap in the ship building industry
Ndavheleseni Sadiki
Senior Project Engineer, Capital Projects PetroSA
Risk factors affecting the development of Upstream Oil and gas projects in South Africa
Mceba Mfini
HR Executive, Amsol
Investing in the future
Nazir Akoob
Managing Director, Petromarine
Opportunities in the maritime sector to shipping maintenance and overhaul.
Dave Viljoen
Managing Director, Cybicom Atlas
Advancements in Maritime Engineering shaping the future of oceanic exploration and trade
Godfrey Needham
General Manager, Offshore Maritime Services
Unlocking opportunities: Exploring the vastpotential of South Africa’s offshore Services Industry
Timothy Walker
Maritime Project Leader and Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies(ISS)
Understanding the Impact of new navl technology in the African maritime security seaspace
Professor Moctar Doucoure
Research Expert, South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
Exploration and opportunities in offshore oil and gas.
Day 2:
Captain Makhosi Mbokazi
Programme Director
Advocate Solomzi Mbada
Chief Executive Officer, Armscor
Official Welcome
Rear Admiral David Mkhonto
Chief Director of Maritime Strategy, South African Navy
Keynote Address.
James Kerr
CEO, Orion Consulting
An economic outlook of the maritime security and defence industry
Tau Morwe
Acting CEO, South African Maritime Security Authority (SAMSA)
An examination of current and emerging threats to maritime security in Southern Africa (piracy terrorism, and state-sponsored aggressions).
Cobus Valentine
Chief Commercial Officer, Global Command and Control Technologies
Global Command and Control Technologies in Maritime Domain Awareness
Sefale Montsi
Director, Damen Shipyards Cape Town
Accessing Naval supplier and business opportunities in conjunction to Operation Biro
Professor Patrick Vrancken
South African Research Chair in the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa, Nelson Mandela University
Exploring state ocean jurisdiction: Legal rights and responsibilities in Maritime Zones.
Dr Vusi Malaza
Senior Manager, Institute for Maritime Technology, a Division of Armscor SOC Ltd
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities and technologies.
Zane Cleophas
AMD Director and Board Member, Chairperson of AMD Space Committee
Conference Closing.
- 2024 SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS
Day 1:
Odwa Mtati – CEO, South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
New Horizons 2024: The biggest trends in the maritime sector.
The new way of work has imposed significant changes in the way companies around the world perform, forcing them to adopt new operational practices quickly. The maritime sector is no different; companies have had to re-evaluate supply chain management and logistics based on shipping, clearing delays and other operational challenges. When charting a course in response to the key trends shaping the maritime sector in 2024, these are the strategies that need to be implemented.
Click here to view the presentation
The new way of work has imposed significant changes in the way companies around the world perform, forcing them to adopt new operational practices quickly. The maritime sector is no different; companies have had to re-evaluate supply chain management and logistics based on shipping, clearing delays and other operational challenges. When charting a course in response to the key trends shaping the maritime sector in 2024, these are the strategies that need to be implemented.
Click here to view the presentation
Tembaletu Tanci – Acting Head of Operation Phakisa, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Unpacking the Ocean Economy Master Plan.
The OEMP takes Operation Phakisa to the next level with the inclusion of Small Harbours and Coastal Marine Tourism as additional sub sectors. It also seeks to include the recognition of Wild Capture Fisheries.
Click here to view the presentation
The OEMP takes Operation Phakisa to the next level with the inclusion of Small Harbours and Coastal Marine Tourism as additional sub sectors. It also seeks to include the recognition of Wild Capture Fisheries.
Click here to view the presentation
Rajesh Dana – Acting Managing Executive, Transnet National Ports Authority
Unpacking challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s port infrastructure and operations.
Click here to view the presentation
Click here to view the presentation
Nomqhele Dube – Analyst, Birguid
Economic insights into South Africa’s fishing
industry.
This presentation will delve into the economic factors shaping South Africa’s fishing industry. Through a comprehensive overview, we’ll explore key themes such as market trends, regulatory frameworks, sustainability challenges, and emerging opportunities. By examining the interplay between economic forces and industry dynamics, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating this vital sector in South Africa’s economy.
Click here to view the presentation
This presentation will delve into the economic factors shaping South Africa’s fishing industry. Through a comprehensive overview, we’ll explore key themes such as market trends, regulatory frameworks, sustainability challenges, and emerging opportunities. By examining the interplay between economic forces and industry dynamics, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating this vital sector in South Africa’s economy.
Click here to view the presentation
Fisokuhle Mbatha – Research Assistant, South African Deep-sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA)
Strategies and challenges in promoting
environmental responsibility in South Africa’s
fishing industry.
This presentation will delve into the economic factors shaping South Africa’s fishing industry. Through a comprehensive overview, we’ll explore key themes such as market trends, regulatory frameworks, sustainability challenges, and emerging opportunities. By examining the interplay between economic forces and industry dynamics, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating this vital sector in South Africa’s economy.
Click here to view the presentation
This presentation will delve into the economic factors shaping South Africa’s fishing industry. Through a comprehensive overview, we’ll explore key themes such as market trends, regulatory frameworks, sustainability challenges, and emerging opportunities. By examining the interplay between economic forces and industry dynamics, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating this vital sector in South Africa’s economy.
Click here to view the presentation
Nceba Mfini – HR Executive, Amsol
Investing in the future
An overview of the critical skills required to usher in the future and strategies to plug the current skills gaps.
Click here to view the presentation
An overview of the critical skills required to usher in the future and strategies to plug the current skills gaps.
Click here to view the presentation
Timothy Walker – Maritime Project Leader and a Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Understanding the impact of new naval
technology in the African maritime security
seaspace.
Click here to view the presentation
Click here to view the presentation
Day 2:
Cobus Valentine – Chief Commercial Officer, Global Command and Control Technologies
Global Command and Control Technologies in Maritime Domain Awareness.
Click here to view the presentation
Click here to view the presentation
Sefale Montsi – Director, Damen Shipyards Cape Town
Accessing Naval supplier and business opportunities in conjunction to Operation Biro.
As a key supplier for the SA Navy, Damen Shipyards will share opportunities stemming from the latest MMIPV project and strategies for the broader industry to get involved in Operation Biro.
Click here to view the presentation
As a key supplier for the SA Navy, Damen Shipyards will share opportunities stemming from the latest MMIPV project and strategies for the broader industry to get involved in Operation Biro.
Click here to view the presentation
Professor Patrick Vrancken – South African Research Chair in the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa, Nelson Mandela University
Exploring state ocean jurisdiction: Legal rights and responsibilities in Maritime Zones.
Click here to view the presentation
Click here to view the presentation
Dr Vusi Malaza – Senior Manager, Institute for Maritime Technology a Division of Armscor SOC Ltd
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities and technologies.
New capabilities to support MDA must be developed through investments in technology including sensors and platforms, communications and information sharing, and information exploitation. Which capabilities and technologies are required to compete with global powerhouses, detect threats and eliminate challenges in the African context?
Click here to view the presentation
New capabilities to support MDA must be developed through investments in technology including sensors and platforms, communications and information sharing, and information exploitation. Which capabilities and technologies are required to compete with global powerhouses, detect threats and eliminate challenges in the African context?
Click here to view the presentation
Accommodation
Make your stay convenient and comfortable by choosing from a selection of hotels located within close proximity to the venue. Whether you prefer luxurious accommodations or stylish apartments, you’ll find a range of options to suit your needs. Take a look at the following list of hotels situated just a short distance away from CTICC, ensuring you’re never far from the action.
