SHENZHEN, CHINA – The China Marine Economy Expo 2026 has brought together more than 350 companies to showcase advances in artificial intelligence (AI), underwater robotics, green shipping and sustainable ocean development.
The three-day event opened on October 22 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center. It covered 50,000 square metres and was expected to attract 25,000 professional visits.
Under the theme “Digital and Smart Ocean: Co-creating a Sustainable Future”, the expo highlighted how technology could improve maritime operations, strengthen ocean monitoring and support environmental protection.
AI and Smart Technology Take Centre Stage
Artificial intelligence emerged as a major focus of the exhibition.
Technology companies, including Huawei, China Telecom and China Unicom, presented solutions for marine communications, underwater connectivity and digital ocean monitoring.
The technologies included AI-powered marine systems, subsea communication networks and digital twins.
Digital twins are virtual models that help organisations monitor and understand real-world environments.
These systems can support maritime planning, improve operational efficiency and provide information for managing marine resources.
Underwater Robots Demonstrate Deep-Sea Capabilities
Underwater robotics attracted significant attention at the expo.
Several technology companies displayed robotic systems designed for underwater exploration, inspection and industrial operations.
The equipment ranged from smaller underwater robots to industrial submersibles capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 metres.
Such technologies can help researchers and maritime operators inspect underwater infrastructure, collect ocean data and explore difficult-to-reach environments.
The exhibition also featured unmanned underwater vehicles and advanced robotic equipment for deep-sea operations.
Green Shipping and Renewable Energy in Focus
Sustainability formed another major part of the exhibition.
Companies introduced technologies supporting cleaner shipping, low-carbon logistics and renewable marine energy.
Shenzhen Energy Group highlighted a project combining offshore wind power with hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis.
The expo also featured innovations in marine engineering, environmental monitoring and sustainable industrial development.
These technologies reflect growing industry efforts to reduce environmental impacts while improving maritime efficiency.
France Joins as First Guest Country of Honour
France became the first Guest Country of Honour in the expo’s history.
Its pavilion highlighted cooperation between China and France in deep-sea research, marine engineering, polar exploration and digital ocean technologies.
The exhibition also introduced international research initiatives aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation.
Meanwhile, China’s Hainan province participated as the first Guest Province of Honour.
Its exhibition featured marine renewable energy, deep-sea equipment, underwater AI robots and maritime rescue technologies.
Global Experts Discuss the Future of the Ocean Economy
The Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum took place alongside the expo from October 22 to 23.
Nearly 50 representatives and industry professionals from more than 10 countries and regions participated in discussions.
Key topics included ocean conservation, coastal city resilience, sustainable development and blue finance.
Blue finance refers to funding that supports sustainable ocean-related industries and environmental protection.
The forum provided an opportunity for industry representatives, researchers and policymakers to discuss cooperation in the marine economy.
New Opportunities for Maritime Investment
The expo also hosted business networking sessions, investment discussions and industry matchmaking activities.
An investment promotion event on October 23 attracted representatives from approximately 100 companies and organisations.
Discussions focused on advanced shipping, new-energy vessels, deep-sea equipment and related technologies.
These activities aimed to connect technology developers, investors and maritime businesses.
Building a Smarter and More Sustainable Ocean Economy
The China Marine Economy Expo 2026 highlighted the increasing role of digital technology in maritime industries.
From AI-powered ocean monitoring to renewable energy and underwater robotics, the exhibition demonstrated how innovation could reshape marine operations.
The event also provided a platform for international cooperation in ocean research, sustainable development and maritime investment.
As demand for cleaner and more efficient maritime solutions grows, the technologies showcased in Shenzhen could play an important role in the future of the global marine economy.
Source: PR Newswire / China Marine Economy Expo 2026
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