MORE than 300 firms are expected at one of the south’s leading marine science exhibitions.

Ocean Business kicks off at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton on April 14 and runs until April 16.

The exhibition’s organisers say a record-breaking number of visitors are expected, with more than 5,000 people set to arrive from 50 countries.

Firms lined up to show off their wares at the event range from acoustics, diving and navigation companies to organisations promoting products in maritime defence, environmental monitoring and renewable energy.

As well as the exhibitors there is a packed schedule including training and demonstration sessions and careers advice in the marine and maritime industry.

The three-day event will begin with a drinks reception hosted by Diversified Communications UK and the Society of Maritime Industries at the Pitcher and Piano in Ocean Village at 6pm on April 13.

Over the next three days there will be a series of workshops and seminars on subjects including maritime autonomous systems, the blue economy and tidal energy. Running alongside the exhibition is a two-day offshore survey conference providing an insight into technology, operations and business issues in offshore surveying.

The National Oceanography Centre is collaborating with a number of marine firms on research, development and technology.

Associate director in innovation and enterprise Kevin Forshaw said: “The potential for business is huge.

“We regularly hold forums where we brief manufacturers and suppliers on the support we can give them for their research and development into new products and services.”

The exhibition is open from 8.30am to 7pm on April 14, 8.30am to 5.30pm on April 15 and 8.30am to 4pm on April 16.

Any trade professional wanting to register to visit the exhibition can do so at oceanbusiness.com/register/