We are delighted to welcome the Submersible Operators Group community to Hamburg for the fourth edition of the SOG Annual Meeting, taking place on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in cooperation with the World Submarine Organisation (WSO) and alongside the 23rd International Submarine Symposium.
This year’s meeting is SOG’s largest gathering to date, with more registered participants than any previous edition. It will bring together pilots, operators, manufacturers, classification societies, insurers, scientists, regulators and other members of the global crewed underwater systems community.
For the first time, the joint gathering will be hosted by DNV—a fitting setting for an event focused on the exchange of operational experience, technical knowledge, safety practice and international collaboration.
- Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
- Time: 09:00–17:00
- Venue: International Maritime Museum, Hamburg, Germany
- Hosted by: DNV
- Google Maps Link
- Registration: Registration is now closed
Building on SOG’s founding purpose as an independent forum for pilots and operators, the 2026 meeting will focus on practical experience, operational learning, safety and constructive dialogue across the wider submersible community.
New panel format
For the first time, SOG 2026 will include dedicated panel discussions. These sessions are designed to bring the practical perspective of pilots and operators into direct conversation with the organisations that design, classify, insure, support and use submersibles.
Classification Societies’ Panel
Representatives from DNV, ABS, RINA and Lloyd’s Register will discuss emerging trends in classification rules for crewed submersibles and related underwater systems. The conversation will consider evolving safety expectations, new technologies, operational experience, and areas where greater international alignment may benefit the community.
Submersible Manufacturers’ Panel
Representatives from SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation, Triton Submarines, U-Boat Worx and Nuytco Research will share recent developments in submersible design, technology and market demand. Operators will have an opportunity to discuss evolving operational needs directly with manufacturers and hear their perspectives on the future direction of the industry.
Submersible Insurance Panel
Representatives from the insurance community will discuss underwriting trends, risk assessment, coverage considerations, claims and insurability. The session will offer practical insight into how insurers assess submersible operations and the evolving needs of operators and manufacturers.
Science Operators’ Panel
This panel will explore how crewed submersibles are advancing scientific research and expanding access to the deep ocean. Participants will discuss exploration, observation, sampling and data collection, as well as the operational, technical, financial and logistical realities of complex underwater missions.
The discussion will also consider opportunities for collaboration among scientists, operators, engineers, vessel teams and funding organisations—and how a wider range of submersible operators can make meaningful scientific observations through their own operations.
Throughout the day, the meeting will provide opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, welcome new members of the community, share lessons learned and identify practical issues on which SOG can continue working together.
We look forward to welcoming the SOG community to Hamburg for a day of open discussion, practical learning and collaboration.