The countdown to Hydro 2026 is on. From 27 to 29 October, hydrographers, surveyors, and ocean technology specialists from around the world will descend on Antwerp for what organizers are calling one of the most anticipated editions yet, and the numbers back it up. The exhibition floor has already sold out, with 31 companies confirmed to showcase their latest innovations in hydrographic technology.

Taking place on the banks of the River Scheldt, the conference promises a setting as memorable as its programme. Multiple hydrographic vessels will be moored nearby throughout the event, putting attendees within arm’s reach of the technology being discussed on stage.

Organized on behalf of the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies, Hydro 2026 will bring together the field’s leading voices across three days of keynotes, technical sessions, and side events built for making connections.

Shaping hydrography’s future

The newly released preliminary conference programme spans the topics shaping hydrography’s future, from unmanned and autonomous systems to submarine infrastructure, hydrographic applications such as habitat mapping, seabed characterisation, backscatter analysis, and marine spatial planning, through to advances in data processing and next-generation sensor technologies.

Each day of the conference opens with a keynote from a leading figure in the field. On Tuesday 27 October, Prof. dr. Eric Van Hooydonk of Ghent University explores the importance of nautical charts and hydrography to the maritime history of Flanders. On Wednesday 28 October, Prof. dr. Vera Van Lancker of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences looks at how hydrography is shaping the future of seabed substrate mapping. And on Thursday 29 October, Rear Adm. Tanguy Botman of the Belgian Navy discusses the strategic importance of hydrography for naval operations.

With the exhibition already at capacity, Hydro 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark gathering for the hydrographic community – a chance to see the latest technology in action, hear from leaders spanning academia, science, and defence, and connect with peers against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great maritime cities.

Register before 1 September for the early-bird rate

Downtown Antwerp’s Grote Markt, framed by its historic buildings. (Image courtesy: Shutterstock)