Cybersecurity risks and challenges in the maritime sector are one of several themes at Sea Tech Week 2024, which opens next month in Brest, France.
Ireland will be taking centre stage as the “country of honour” with a strong Irish delegation as well as representatives from the Irish Embassy in France.
Stakeholders across business, academia and governmental institutions from across the world will explore the latest developments in marine technology, safety, security and innovation at the event, running from Oct 14th to 17th in Brest.
Ireland "Country of Honour" At Sea Tech Week 2024 in France
The full conference programme includes three high level sessions, over 30 workshops, a trade fair, networking opportunities and more.
Organisers say this year’s event focuses strongly on maritime safety and security, exploring concerns and opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence; digital transformation; system integration; cybersecurity; autonomous vehicles; subsea communications; environmental regulations; R&D funding; enhanced offshore safety protocols and procedures; infrastructure monitoring; and decarbonisation.
Highlights of the programme include several Irish-led sessions that spotlight critical areas of collaboration between Ireland and France in the blue economy, cybersecurity, and the arts. These include:
Smart Green Port (Wednesday 16th October) - this workshop will focus on sustainable port operations, exploring smart technologies to reduce environmental impact.
Funding opportunities to facilitate Franco-Irish collaboration in the blue economy (Tuesday 15th October) – discussing how Irish and French stakeholders can work together to secure funding and drive forward innovation in marine sectors.
France-Ireland Workshop on cybersecurity risks and challenges in the maritime sector (Thursday 17th October) – co-organised by the University of Western Brittany (FR) and the University of Limerick (IRL), this critical discussion will cover cybersecurity threats facing maritime industries. Speakers will include Mirza Akhi from the University of Limerick, alongside experts from the Ecole Navale and IMT Atlantique in France.
Imaginaries of the Sea in Ireland’s Arts, Literature, & Culture (Thursday 17th October) - led by Ireland’s Institute of Art Design & Technology (IADT), this interdisciplinary session will explore the representation of the sea in Irish cultural works.
Highlights of the programme include several Irish-led sessions that spotlight critical areas of collaboration between Ireland and France in the blue economy, cybersecurity, and the arts Photo: Julien Creff
Some of the Irish organisations participating include the Embassy of Ireland in France, National Maritime College of Ireland, Clare County Council / Clare Maritime Economic Zone DAC, FactoryXChange EDIH / IDEAM / TUS, National College of Art and Design, IADT Dun Laoghaire Dublin.
Organisers say that Sea Tech Week® 2024 “serves as a platform for reinforcing the already strong ties between Ireland and France, both key players in the European maritime space”.
“As France’s closest EU neighbour, Ireland’s involvement will bring fresh perspectives on sustainable maritime practices, collaborative funding models, and the cultural significance of the sea,”the organisers state.
The full programme along with registration can be accessed at seatechweek.eu.
