The 2026 China Marine Economy Expo in Shenzhen showcases innovations for a sustainable marine economy with over 350 enterprises participating.
The 2026 China Marine Economy Expo at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center features a venue illuminated in deep ocean blue. Under the theme 'Digital and Smart Ocean: Co-creating a Sustainable Future,' the expo spans 50,000 square meters and hosts more than 350 enterprises. Organizers expect 25,000 professional visits. Together, the exhibitors, forums, and matchmaking events provide shipping, logistics, and trade stakeholders with a single platform for the technologies, partnerships, and services shaping the next phase of the marine economy.
The expo focuses on core marine sectors and emerging fields through eight exhibition zones: Integrated deep-sea and far-sea energy development and application, green shipping and low-carbon logistics, marine electronic information, marine ecology and sustainable development, offshore applications of the low-altitude economy, full-space marine monitoring and disaster early warning, marine biomedicine, and modern marine services and coastal cultural tourism.
Three specialized zones complement these sectors, focusing on international participation, industrial clusters, and accelerated technological innovation. Together, the eleven zones present the complete ecosystem of marine industries across the entire value chain, from energy and equipment to shipping, monitoring, and services.
The international zone stands as one of the expo's most prominent core zones. For the first time, the China Marine Economy Expo has introduced a Guest Country of Honor mechanism, with France serving as the inaugural honoree.
The France pavilion offers an immersive experience of its Mission Neptune. It also showcases the achievements of Sino-French cooperation in deep-sea research, polar affairs, marine engineering, and digital marine technologies. The pavilion was developed in collaboration with two partners: Deep Blue Voyager 2035, a global ocean expedition and international cooperation initiative under the UN Ocean Decade, spearheaded by the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association and Fujian Ocean Innovation Center.
The partnership reflects a broader commitment to cross-border collaboration in ocean science and technology, built on joint research rather than one-off exchanges.
Hainan, the inaugural Guest Province of Honor, has brought its leading enterprises to the expo. These companies are unveiling solutions across a wide range of fields: deep-sea oil and gas, marine renewable energy, deep-sea equipment manufacturing, marine tourism, fisheries and modern marine services, marine biomedicine, subsea embodied-AI robots and large AI models for marine applications, and quantum-based marine communication and navigation.
The Hainan delegation is also presenting progress on service and support bases for South China Sea resource exploration, as well as maritime search and rescue facilities. These developments strengthen the safety and support infrastructure along regional sea routes.
Leading Chinese enterprises, industry frontrunners, and emerging companies are demonstrating their capabilities across the exhibition halls.
China Merchants Group, China Communications Construction Group, China International Marine Containers, and Shenzhen Mawan Smart Port are presenting innovations in smart shipping, offshore engineering, and port operations. These areas directly shape the efficiency, reliability, and transparency of cargo movement through ports.
China Telecom, Huawei, Hikvision, and China Unicom are introducing cross-industry solutions. Their exhibits cover large marine AI models, open-sea networked communications, subsea cables, underwater connectors, and digital twin technology for the marine environment. A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors real-world conditions. Together, these technologies form the connectivity and data backbone needed for clearer real-time insight into maritime operations.
The underwater robotics section offers one of the expo's most immersive experiences. CRRC SMD, Boya Gongdao, VVLAI, Sealien Robotics, Seahi, T-SEA Tech, QYSEA Technology, Chasing Innovation, and Wujiang Ocean showcase a diverse range of equipment. Their exhibits include consumer-grade underwater robots, industrial-grade submersibles rated to 6,000 meters, deep-sea trenching gear, and autonomous underwater exploration and imaging installations.
Several research institutions and energy enterprises are featuring major projects: Shenzhen Energy Group is highlighting a project that integrates seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production with offshore wind power generation; SANYA Oceanographic Laboratory is presenting its Magic Needle large AI model for the South China Sea; ZJU-Hengyi Global Innovation Research Center, Zhejiang University, is featuring the Haihong II deep-sea unmanned submersible.
The expo also highlights the essential materials and parts that underpin China's major national equipment. Standout exhibits include heavy plates for offshore engineering from Baosteel Zhanjiang Steel, deep-sea robotic arms from KathayBot, deep-sea optoelectronic connectors from Lansuo Technology, pressure-resistant spherical hulls from Yancheng Huida Glass Instrument, and solid buoyancy materials from T21.
Professional service organizations are providing expertise that supports risk management and compliance across maritime trade. China Classification Society, China Rescue & Salvage, and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration cover areas ranging from testing and certification to emergency response, commercial arbitration, and legal services.
Regional delegations from Guangdong, Hainan, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shenzhen's Dapeng and Bao'an districts, Huizhou, and Shantou also present a diverse array of marine projects and technological innovations.
The 2026 Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum runs from October 22 to 23 and serves as the expo's premier platform for international exchange. Nearly 50 high-level representatives and professionals from more than 10 countries and regions are taking part in in-depth discussions. They aim to advance initiatives on ecological conservation, coastal city resilience, the value of blue carbon, blue finance, and sustainable urban development.
Industry matchmaking and investment promotion are central to the expo program. Events include International Shipping and Cross-Border Trade Matchmaking, the Inaugural Greater Bay Area Blue Ocean Summit on University Sci-Tech Innovation and Capital, investment and financing roadshows by marine SMEs, and the 2026 Investment Promotion for Shenzhen's Marine Industries.
The 2026 Investment Promotion for Shenzhen's Marine Industries takes place on October 23. The Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Marine Development and the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone co-host it, with support from the Bao'an, Longgang, and Guangming districts. The event brings together representatives from about 100 enterprises and organizations specializing in high-end shipping, new-energy vessels, deep-sea equipment, and related sectors.
The 2026 China Marine Economy Expo extends well beyond its exhibition halls. Its forums cover global ocean governance, blue finance, and APEC regional cooperation. A city-wide ocean week, yacht shows, and public science outreach activities add inclusive experiences for the wider public alongside in-depth professional content for the marine sector.
The expo serves as a vivid microcosm of China's marine-industry transformation and a vital link for deepening global maritime cooperation and venturing into the deep ocean. By bringing together guests from around the world, the 2026 China Marine Economy Expo not only showcases marine technology but also advances a shared journey toward digitally empowered smart ocean governance and opens a new chapter of high-quality development in the global marine economy.