Rhode Island selected to host leading global industry event; expected to welcome more than 1,500 ocean-technology professionals, 100 exhibitors and 75 live demonstrations to Newport in September 2027.
BRIGHTON, U.K. – August 27, 2026 – Ocean Business, one of the world’s leading hands-on ocean science and technology events, today announced that Rhode Island will host its first North American-based event. Ocean Business USA will take place September 28–30, 2027, at Safe Harbor New England Boatworks in Newport, in partnership with the Marine Technology Society (MTS).
The three-day event will bring Ocean Business’ distinctive combination of exhibition, classroom training, industry networking and live on-water demonstrations representing ocean science and technology, maritime defense, autonomous systems, offshore energy, academia and research.
“After twenty years of success in the UK, Ocean Business is the most popular ocean science and technology event in the world,” said Cheri Arvonio, Event Director for Diversified Communications. “Now, following several years of planning, our team is thrilled to bring Ocean Business to the United States, driven by growing demand from across the industry for the Ocean Business experience. We believe Ocean Business offers a different approach to traditional industry events, combining hands-on access to the latest marine technology with the casual, friendly atmosphere that has become our trademark, encouraging meaningful networking, conversation and engagement. Rhode Island is already proving it is the right setting, with companies such as Teledyne Marine, RBR, Sonardyne, Cellula Robotics, Marine Magnetics, OceanSight Group and Subsea Supplies already having confirmed their space.”
“The ocean is Rhode Island’s backyard, and our strong track record in maritime defense and marine industries is drawing international recognition,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Ocean Business’ decision to make Rhode Island the home of its first North American event is a powerful recognition of our state’s growing leadership in ocean technology – attracting companies, growing jobs, and advancing the technologies that are shaping the future of the Blue Economy.”
More than 1,500 participants are expected to attend with 100+ equipment manufacturers and service providers from across the globe and 75+ live, on-water demonstrations conducted from the docks located just outside the exhibition. Attendees will be able to see new technologies in operation, speak with manufacturers and technical experts, and explore potential partnerships and commercial applications.
“Rhode Island has often been called the ‘Silicon Valley’ of undersea technology,” said Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. “With a vibrant and innovative ecosystem of ocean technology, maritime, and defense companies, Rhode Island is demonstrating why it has earned that reputation. We are driving economic growth, attracting investment, creating jobs, and connecting companies across our state to new markets at home and around the world. We’re proud to be a hub for this growing industry, and we thank Ocean Business and MTS for choosing Rhode Island.”
The selection of Newport reflects Rhode Island’s growing concentration of ocean science and technology, and maritime defense companies, world-class research and testing capabilities, deep-water maritime infrastructure and proximity to one of the nation’s most important undersea defense clusters, anchored by Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport.
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean Tech Hub, and the University of Rhode Island are supporting the event.
“Ocean Business is more than a trade show. It is a working week on the water for the global marine technology community,” said Chris Ostrander, CEO of the Marine Technology Society. “Engineers, innovators, students, investors and operators are able to experience new technologies firsthand, discuss market needs and build the partnerships that move the sector forward. MTS has spent more than sixty years connecting the people who design, build, and advance marine and ocean technology – Ocean Business shares that DNA. We are excited to partner with the Diversified team to bring Ocean Business to the United States, and to expand the substantive technology engagement MTS and OB are known for.”
“Ocean Business USA belongs in Rhode Island because this is where ocean technology gets built, tested and put to work,” said Commerce President and CEO Jim Bennett. “Bringing more than 1,500 industry leaders to Newport gives our companies, researchers and talent a global stage and creates the kinds of relationships that lead to investment, contracts and high paying jobs.”
Booth sales are now open, with early-bird rates available through October 30, 2026. To reserve exhibit space, contact CArvonio@divcom.co.uk. Additional information is available at www.oceanbusiness.us.
About Ocean Business
Ocean Business is a hands-on ocean technology exhibition and training forum owned and organized by Diversified Communications UK in partnership with the Society of Maritime Industries. Launched in 2007, the event is hosted at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, United Kingdom, and brings together ocean science and technology professionals from around the world. For more information, visit www.oceanbusiness.com.
About the Marine Technology Society
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) believes that advancements in the development and use of marine technologies are essential to support responsible and sustainable use of the ocean. Founded in 1963, MTS is an international professional society that provides members of academia, government, and industry a common forum for the exchange of information and ideas. MTS members are engineers, scientists, technologists, policy makers, and educators on the leading-edge of technology design and application. MTS members work within the full spectrum of ocean and subsea technologies that support sustainable ocean use, ranging from offshore energy to dynamic positioning, ocean robotics to buoys, and many more.
About Rhode Island Commerce
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is dedicated to building a stronger and more competitive state economy by attracting new investment, helping existing businesses expand and connecting local companies with opportunities at home and around the world. Through business assistance, strategic partnerships and focused investment in Rhode Island’s people and leading industries, Commerce works to ensure that Ocean State businesses have the resources and connections they need to compete, grow and thrive well beyond what might be expected of the nation’s smallest state. www.commerceri.com.
Ocean Business Media Contact
Pamela Johns
Marketing Director
Diversified Communications UK & Europe
pjohns@divcom.co.uk
+44 (0)1273 645 110
Marine Technology Society Media Contact
Chelsea Bladow
chelsea.bladow@mtsociety.org
+1 202 827 7172
Rhode Island Media Contact
Giselle Mahoney
Chief of Communications, Executive Office of Commerce
Giselle.Mahoney.CTR@commerce.ri.gov
+1 401 545 0626
