Survey Vessels: Security Impact & Requirements

With investment into new, multi-role naval vessels and submarines increasing worldwide, and projections on the Blue Economy suggesting its worth at $2.4 trillion per year, now is an opportune moment to reflect on the utility of oceanographic survey vessels and other surveying capabilities.  

Moreover, as the international community looks to develop policy frameworks that deal with mass ecological degradation and the threat of climate change, it is vital that we begin to improve our knowledge of the ocean floor.  The many conferences and expos on the subject of oceanographic and hydrographic survey vessels are overwhelmingly scientific, and not designed to engage policy and military audiences.  

Having understood this need for cross-sector engagement between industry, policy and naval stakeholders, Defence IQ has developed an event that places regional and hemispheric cooperation at the heart of its agenda, with senior commanders attending to discuss current OSV design requirements, acquisition challenges, and operational case-studies. 

Oceanographic Survey Vessels 2017 will take place in London on 21-22 June, with briefings from international navy hydrographic chiefs, coast guard specialists and  scientific researchers. 

Ahead  of the event, this report explores some of the core issues facing survey vessels today, from the justification of their utility as strategic security assets to the increasing demand for Arctic exploration. We also provide insight into the latest research on OSV requirements and potential requirements worldwide...