It is a key source of food, energy, minerals, health, leisure and transport upon which hundreds of millions of people depend. However, the maritime industry landscape is poised to undergo a profound transition. Long considered the traditional domain of shipping, fishing and - since the 1960s - offshore oil and gas, new activities are emerging that are reshaping and diversifying maritime industries. While traditional maritime industries continue to innovate at a brisk rate, it is the emerging ocean industries that are attracting most of the attention. These industries include offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, oil and gas exploration and production in ultra-deep water and exceptionally harsh environments, offshore aquaculture, seabed mining, cruise tourism, maritime surveillance and marine biotechnology. The long-term potential for innovation, employment creation and economic growth offered by these sectors is impressive.