The AZTI headquarters in Pasaia (Basque Country) hosts this week the twelfth edition of the MARTECH international conference, which edition by edition consolidates as reference forum in Spain on marine technologies, bringing together in this edition more than 200 experts, researchers and professionals from all over the world. The workshop allows to show the latest research and technological developments in the field of disciplines such as marine robotics, operational oceanography, marine sensors, underwater imaging and communication, seabed mapping, renewable marine energies, aquaculture, structures and materials, etc., bringing together the main research groups and companies in the sector at a national level.
The contribution by PLOCAN consortium (Plataforma Oceanica de Canarias) focused on the presentation of the recent creation of the CEOG (Spanish Committee of Glider Operators), a national initiative currently under its coordination, together with AZTI, ULPGC, SOCIB and IEO-CSIC. Likewise, PLOCAN contributed to the program of technical sessions showing its capabilities as ICTS, highlighting European programs and projects linked to ocean observation through state-of-the-art autonomous platforms, as well as the Glider School training initiative.
PLOCAN also actively joined technical sessions addressed to ocean-data interoperability, underlining the importance of open standards and international collaborations to face challenges such climate change and marine biodiversity protection. Its public-private cooperation model was valued as an example in the management of scientific infrastructures (ICTS) within initiatives related to the Blue Economy.
During the two full workdays, more than a hundred scientific communications and pioneering projects were presented in key areas such as environmental monitoring, artificial intelligence applied to the ocean and the development of autonomous ocean vehicles. The workshop also enabled the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the scientific community, the industrial sector and public managers linked to the marine-maritime field.
The event included a technological exhibition area where prototypes and commercial solutions from leading national and international companies were shown, as well as technical visits to the port of Pasaia, which enabled to learn first-hand about the advances applied to the study of the marine environment and ocean economy in the region. Training and knowledge transfer initiatives among young researchers were also promoted.
With a true vocation for continuity, the organizers highlighted the strategic value of MARTECH to position marine technology as engine of innovation and sustainability. The 2025 edition in Pasaia reaffirmed the role of this conference as leading meeting point to all those working for the future of the ocean.
