A wave energy converter to convert energy conveyed in ocean waves propagating in a wave propagation direction in an ocean environment and received at the converter into generated power includes a plurality of columns which are in fluidic communication via corresponding ports to the ocean waves received at the converter. The ports are arranged substantially in series along the wave propagation direction, and the ports are of progressively greater depth into the ocean environment along the wave propagation direction to cause the ocean waves to propagate in a downwardly-directed manner when received at the ports. The plurality of columns are arranged so that that their elongate axes are substantially aligned along a first direction, and that the ports have corresponding port angles relative to the first direction which are progressively larger as the ports (50) are of progressively greater depth.