One day, two events: focus on marine technology

Nov 21, 2023

The remotely operated diving robot MARUM-SQUID is being prepared for deployment on board the research vessel METEOR. Photo: MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; V.Diekamp — The remotely operated diving robot MARUM-SQUID is being prepared for deployment on board the research vessel METEOR. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; V.Diekamp

This year, November 15 offered two occasions to focus on the development of maritime technologies. The annual "Marine Technology Day" coincided this year with the 40th anniversary of GMT - Gesellschaft für Maritime Technik. Industry experts and young professionals from the fields of maritime business, marine science and technology came to Hamburg University of Technology at the invitation of GMT. The network meeting thus provided an important platform for the exchange and networking of experts, companies and institutions in the field of marine technology. Representatives from MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen also took part in this "Marine Technology Day".

Highly specialized technologies are of crucial importance for the scientific investigation of the seas and the ocean floor. Both remote-controlled and autonomous underwater vehicles, drilling rigs and other instruments are developed and deployed at MARUM for this purpose. During the GMT network meeting, three MARUM scientists had the opportunity to discuss the latest technological developments with representatives from industry and science. Prof. Achim Kopf, head of the Marine Geotechnics working group at MARUM, says: "Our large-scale seagoing instruments are operated and further developed by highly specialized technicians and engineers. We work closely with cooperation partners worldwide. The 'Marine Technology Day' provided an ideal platform to consolidate these networks."

Alongside the exchange of expertise, the event also focused on promoting young talent. Companies, scientific institutions and organizations presented themselves on site in order to enter into dialogue with students and pupils. In addition, laboratory tours at the TU Hamburg provided insights into wave and wind tunnels for the realistic simulation of coastal processes. In addition to leading German marine technology companies, the Canadian delegation of the "Blue Economy Mission to Germany 2023" also presented itself. As part of the "Canadian Technology Accelerator Program", seven Canadian companies presented their innovative products and services for future international collaborations.

In addition, the renowned polar explorer Arved Fuchs gave a keynote speech on youth development programs. He presented a project in which young people undertake expeditions on a historic sailing ship and test the use of the latest marine technology. Fuchs emphasized the positive effect of such experiences, which have been proven to lead to a strong motivation to take up studies in the field of marine sciences or technology.

More Information:

GMT: https://www.maritime-technik.de/

MARUM Marine Technology: https://www.marum.de/Infrastruktur/Meerestechnik.html

Lectures and presentations were part of the supporting program of the "Marine Technology Day". Photo: Corina Pfähler

Ralf Bachmayer (Marine Robotics) and Matthias Zabel (Public Relations) follow the contributions in Harburg. Photo: MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; A.Kopf