Highlights of the Program

2 days business program:

Learn from real-world case studies by industry leaders.

SHOWCASING INNOVATION:

Discover the latest technology and techniques from across the industry.

leaders talk:

Hear from top-level experts about how to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.

MULTIPLE STREAMS:

A business program that is multi-disciplinary, giving you a broad view of the industry.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES:

Explore the latest smart and AI-driven solutions, and see how they can be used in your business.

roundtable discussion:

Join talks with industry peers. Share ideas, make connections, and find new partners.

Program

Day 1 :
WEDNESDAY, 22 APRIL, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
REGISTRATION AND MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:30 - 09:40
OPENING ADDRESS
09:40 - 10:05
CRITICAL MINERALS FROM THE SEAFLOOR
Wolfgang Bernhart
Roland Berger

Wolfgang Bernhart

Roland Berger

  • Highlighting the importance of deep-sea mining in ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals for emerging technologies and global industries
  • Reviewing the deep-sea mining sector, including technological progress, environmental challenges, and economic implications
  • Outlining strategic actions and long-term perspectives that can guide the responsible development of deep-sea mineral resources
10:05 - 10:10
Q&A SESSION ON SUSTAINABLE EXTRACTION OF CRITICAL MINERALS
10:10 - 10:40
SPEED NETWORKING SESSION
  • Exchange business cards and get connected in short one-to-one meetings
  • Start the conversation to arrange a more formal meeting later on in the conference
  • Share your professional background and discuss your biggest business issues – don't forget your business cards!
10:40 - 11:00
MORNING COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
11:00 - 11:30
PANEL DISCUSSION ON DEEP SEA MINING
11:30 - 11:55
DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW DEEP SEA MINING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS NEED TO KNOW
Nicholas Renzler
Foley Hoag

Nicholas Renzler

Foley Hoag

  • Examining recent legal developments shaping the international framework for deep-sea mining, emphasising their implications for industry compliance
  • Assessing the United States’ unilateral authorisation of mining activities in international waters, outlining related regulatory considerations
  • Analysing the influence of the BBNJ Agreement on conservation measures and sustainable resource management in areas beyond national jurisdiction
  • Evaluating the impact of recent ICJ and ITLOS advisory opinions on climate change for states, the ISA, and other key actors within the sector
11:55 - 12:00
Q&A SESSION ON LEGAL FRAMEWORKS GOVERNING DEEP-SEA MINING
12:00 - 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH & VISIT THE DEEP SEA MINING EXHIBITION
13:30 - 13:55
DECENTRALIZED SWARM ROBOTICS: A SCALABLE MODEL FOR DEEP-SEA MINERAL RECOVERY
Alexander Petersen
MOBY Robotics

Alexander Petersen

MOBY Robotics

  • Outlining an AI-driven swarm robotics system enabling modular and sustainable deep-sea mineral recovery
  • Distributed collection and lift approach that enhances scalability and reliability while reducing dependency on large surface vessels
  • Sustainable mineral recovery achieved through intelligent autonomy, modular design, and low-impact engineering
13:55 - 14:00
Q&A SESSION ON AUTONOMOUS TECH FOR OCEAN MINERAL EXTRACTION
14:00 - 14:25
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS FOR MARINE MINERAL EXPLORATION
Tim McClinton
David Evans and Associates

Tim McClinton

David Evans and Associates

  • Mapping the seafloor and conducting ecological surveys supporting informed mineral planning
  • Integrating bathymetry, backscatter, and imagery to reveal key geological and habitat patterns
  • Using structure-from-motion models to link ship-scale and ROV-scale environmental perspectives
  • Providing accessible data guiding stakeholders in assessing risks and resource potential
14:25 - 14:30
Q&A SESSION ON ADVANCING DEEP SEA ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
14:30 - 15:00
AFTERNOON COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
15:00 - 15:25
BREAKING THE HS BARRIER WITH PREDICTIVE MOTION INSIGHTS
Karel Roozen
Next Ocean

Karel Roozen

Next Ocean

  • Exploring motion radar principles and their relevance to deep-sea mining operations
  • Applying predictive motion radar systems to anticipate vessel and subsea movement
  • Assessing impacts on safety, efficiency, and decision-making in offshore mining operations
  • Evaluating real-world data, user feedback, and operational experience, including Allseas applications
15:25 - 15:30
Q&A SESSION ON OPERATIONAL DECISION-MAKING IN HIGH SEA STATES
15:30 - 16:00
RESERVED PRESENTATION
16:00 - 17:00
NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
Day 2 :
THURSDAY, 23 APRIL, 2026
09:00 - 09:30
MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:30 - 09:40
OPENING ADDRESS
09:40 - 10:05
EUREKA COLLECTION SYSTEM ROADMAP UPDATE
Oliver Gunasekara
Impossible Metals

Oliver Gunasekara

Impossible Metals

  • Presenting the latest progress on the collection system, highlighting advancements in autonomous deep-sea operations and system integration
  • Detailing key components, including the Smart Launch and Recovery System and the Eureka III AUV, designed for 6 km operations
  • Utilising computer vision and AI-guided robotic arms to enable precise nodule collection while minimising environmental impact
10:05 - 10:10
Q&A SESSION ON ADVANCEMENTS IN THE EUREKA COLLECTION SYSTEM
10:10 - 10:35
THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE FOR SEABED MINING IN THE ABNJ
Lea Kolmos Weis
Gorrissen Federspiel

Lea Kolmos Weis

Gorrissen Federspiel

  • Exploring the evolving powers of the ISA and how they shape global seabed governance
  • Examining the ICE framework and its role in guiding inspection and compliance activities
  • Reviewing state-driven approaches to compliance under UNCLOS and their development over time
  • Proposing an improved ICE structure informed by negotiations and other global regimes
10:35 - 10:40
Q&A SESSION ON REGULATORY CONTROLS FOR SEABED ACTIVITIES
10:40 - 11:00
MORNING COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
11:00 - 11:25
MAINTAINING ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY INTEGRITY DURING DEEP SEA MINING OPERATIONS
Paul Krause
Ramboll

Paul Krause

Ramboll

  • Introducing ecological integrity and connectivity while outlining their significance for deep marine systems
  • Understanding of current knowledge surrounding deep marine ecosystem communities and functions
  • Deep-sea mining technologies alongside observed and potential environmental impacts
  • Mitigation pathways through technology innovation and effective public narrative development
11:25 - 11:30
Q&A SESSION ON MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN DEEP MARINE SYSTEMS
11:30 - 11:55
GOING IT ALONE: WHAT ARE THE COMMERCIAL RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN AN OPERATION AUTHORISED UNDER DSHMRA
Toby Fisher
Matrix Chambers

Toby Fisher

Matrix Chambers

  • Examining the US push for deep sea mineral extraction and its emerging commercial exposures
  • Assessing UNCLOS related duties that are prompting states to tighten controls on participation
  • Identifying legal risks that may classify DSHMRA generated revenue as illicit in some jurisdictions
  • Emphasising the need for early guidance to support safer operational structures for companies
11:55 - 12:00
Q&A SESSION ON REGULATORY AND COMMERCIAL ISSUES UNDER DSHMRA
12:00 - 12:25
VALUATION OF PROJECTS & ESTIMATING DAMAGES IN POTENTIAL ARBITRATIONS
Jack Stirzaker
Brattle

Jack Stirzaker

Brattle

  • Setting the regulatory and dispute context where valuation challenges arise in tightly governed industries
  • Fair market value limitations for pre-operational projects in emerging sectors such as deep-sea mining
  • Reliability concerns around de-novo discounted cash flow models using subjective early stage inputs
  • Arm’s length transactions as practical valuation benchmarks including capital raises and investments
12:25 - 12:30
Q&A SESSION ON PROJECT VALUATION AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT METHODS
12:30 - 12:45
FEEDBACK AND RAFFLE DRAW
12:45 - 14:00
NETWORKING LUNCH

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