Hydrospatial Infrastructure and Blue Economy

Theme: Mapping the Blue Frontier: Hydrospatial Innovation for a Resilient Ocean Economy

Institutional Partners

Seminar

30 April 2026

Agenda

0930 - 1000

Opening Keynote Address

John Nyberg

Director
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
Monaco

Michael Tischler

Associate Director for Core Science Systems
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
USA

1000 - 1130

Session 1: Smart Ocean Governance Through Data Integration

Focus Areas

This session highlights the role of integrated hydrospatial data systems and real-time marine intelligence in evidence-based governance. It will showcase approaches to improve cross-border coordination, ecosystem management, maritime safety, and regulatory enforcement. Discussions will focus on standardizing data, fostering interoperability, and enabling nations and industries to proactively manage emerging risks and strengthen sustainable ocean policies.

Moderator

Dana J. Caccamise

Regional Geodetic Advisor, Western & Pacific Regions
NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Organisation
USA

Friedhelm Moggert Kageler

Director Product Management
Teledyne CARIS
Germany

Gregory Hay

Founder and Director
Noto Analytics
Canada

Jon Pye

Director of Data Operations
Ocean Tracking Network
Canada

Jeffrey Lenard

Firefighter/EMT
Special Operations Division - Fireboat Company Master Public Safety Diver
District of Columbia - USA

Co Presenter

Thomas Chenworth

Deputy Fire Chief of Operations
District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department
USA

Nirdesh Kumar Sharma

Founder & CEO
EarthSense Labs Pvt. Ltd
India

1130 - 1330

Networking Coffee Break Followed by Lunch

1330 - 1500

Session 2: Geospatial Intelligence for Resilient Ports and Maritime Trade

Focus Areas

This session explores how geospatial intelligence enhances port operations, shipping corridor planning, and maritime trade resilience. It will examine the growing need for reliable harbor infrastructure data, standardized data exchange between ports and stakeholders, and interoperable technical formats. The session will also highlight early implementations improving logistics efficiency, marine safety, and climate-resilient maritime supply chains.

Moderator

Hermen M. Westerbeeke

Director - Blue Economy
Responsible Alpha Inc
USA

Keynote

Rajesh Asati

Deputy Secretary - (PPP and Special Initiatives)
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Government of India
India

Capt Ben van Scherpenzeel

Chairman
International Taskforce Port Call Optimization
The Netherlands

Caroline Levey

Managing Director
OceanWise Ltd - England
United Kingdom

Nuno Rodrigo Silva

Head of Training
IIC Technologies
Portugal

1500 - 1600

Networking Coffee Break

1600 - 1730

Session 3: Resilient Coastal Economy & Sustainable Marine Resource Management

Focus Areas

This session examines leveraging hydrospatial infrastructure to build a safe, resilient, and productive coastal and marine economy. It will explore sustainable development of aquaculture, marine farming, fisheries, and biodiversity management, integrating ocean risk and safety intelligence to safeguard operations and ecosystems. Discussions will focus on planning frameworks, cross-sectoral coordination & best practices to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, strengthen livelihoods, and enable long-term sustainable Blue Economy outcomes.

Moderator

Flavia Cavaliere

Blue Economy Expert (Italian Ministry of University & Research)
Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
Italy

Pratap Sinha

Advisor
GIZ
India

Pooja Mahapatra

Head of Product - Climate & Nature
Fugro
The Netherlands

Meghna Sengupta

Geospatial Data Scientist
Marble Imaging
Germany

Bjorn Backeberg

Senior Research Scientist
Deltares

Jyoti Rohodia

Lead - GIS Engineer
Boskalis Westminster Contracting Limited
UAE

Eka Ardhi

PhD Candidate in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
University of Strathclyde
UK

Overview

As ocean-based industries drive nearly $4 trillion in annual global output and ocean assets hold a collective value of $24 trillion, the need for smart, sustainable marine governance has never been greater. Hydrospatial infrastructure—merging traditional hydrography with advanced geospatial intelligence—offers transformative potential for blue carbon restoration, maritime resilience, marine energy, and coastal economy revitalization. This one-day summit will explore how geospatial solutions can underpin the future of the blue economy, balancing economic growth with environmental protection across ocean and coastal ecosystems.