The upcoming Subsea UK’s 2016 Underwater Vehicles Conference will aim its focus at advances in remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous inspection technology and the challenges posed by a sustained low oil price.

Formally known as the Subsea UK ROV Conference, the event will take place on Tuesday 27th September at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

The 2016 conference will welcome experts from across the industry to debate a range of subjects including the global market outlook, ROV engineering and enhanced data collection.

Speakers confirmed for the event include Kieran O’Brien – energy researcher for Infield Systems Ltd, Albert Williams of Shell, Scott Gray – operations manager at Seatronics, Lee Wilson – engineering manager at Subsea 7, Chris Sotzing of SeeByte, Jim Mann of IMCA, and Mike Wilson – managing director of Ecosse Subsea Systems.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said: “The global underwater vehicle market is expected to grow significantly over the next five years as operators delve into deeper, harder to reach seas and the demand for enhanced ocean data increases.

“Since the sharp drop in oil prices, underwater robotics have been seen as a key area of development for subsea interventions, as the industry has been forced to consider smarter ways of working, by adopting new techniques and technologies.

“At this year’s conference we aim to provide a platform for businesses to come together to identify opportunities, drive new technology forward, discover and develop new outcomes and work towards a common goal, building upon the good work which is already being delivered.”