The 4th International Conference on Innovation and Cooperation in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (ICNAME 2019) was held in Harbin, China, from 9 to 12 August 2019. Hosted at Harbin Engineering University, the conference brought together experts, scholars and industry representatives to exchange ideas on emerging technologies and strengthen international cooperation in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Since its establishment in 2015, ICNAME has expanded to nearly 70 member and observer organizations from almost 20 countries, including China, Russia, Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, Portugal and Thailand. The organization has continued to promote collaboration among universities, research institutions and industrial partners in scientific research, technology transfer, talent development and resource sharing.

Reflecting the rapid development of artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things, ICNAME 2019 focused on two major themes: digital and intelligent ships and unmanned underwater vehicles. The programme included a main forum, specialised technical sessions and presentations by leading experts from China and abroad.

The conference also organised bilateral and multilateral cooperation talks, providing participants with opportunities to discuss joint research, academic exchanges and future collaborative projects. ICNAME 2019 further strengthened the organisation’s role as an open and mutually beneficial international platform for maritime innovation and cooperation.