Hosted by the Business Network for Offshore Wind. Visit our main webpage.

Building a robust and resilient infrastructure for the U.S. offshore wind industry.

Ports and vessels are the backbone of the U.S. offshore wind industry. Understanding the improvements needed for the nation’s port infrastructure, as well as ensuring the availability and capacity of vessels, will be critical over the next decade as more turbines are installed in U.S. waters. As the pipeline of projects continues to grow, the industry needs to come together to determine logistics to affordably and efficiently receive, transport, hold, and install turbine components.

Join us in New Orleans to discuss and learn about the many port and vessel business opportunities rapidly unfolding in the U.S. offshore wind energy industry.

pricing

REGISTRATION

Non-Member

$695

Member

$545

Speaker

$395

Government

$395

Summit Agenda

The Port & Vessel Summit takes place September 21-22, with an opening reception the evening of September 26. The complete Summit Agenda is below. 

Wednesday, September 20

6:00–8:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception

8 Block Kitchen & Bar (Located inside the Hyatt Regency)

Thursday, September 21

7:30-8:30 a.m.
Registration Open & Networking Breakfast
Speaker:
8:30 a.m.
Welcome

Speaker:

  • Liz Burdock, President & CEO, Business Network for Offshore Wind
8:35 a.m.
Port & Vessel Market Overview

Speaker:

  • Jonathan Lints, Head of U.S. Offshore, Director of Subsea and Renewables, Clarksons
Speakers:
8:55 a.m.
Industry Trends and Hot Topics

In the ever-changing offshore wind industry, it’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and hot topics. We have gathered experts to share what they are seeing as the industry moves from demonstration to large-scale commercialization. They will share their insights on the most pressing issues facing the industry, advances in technology, evolving regulatory and policy frameworks, and shifting market dynamics. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate these challenges to remain successful. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain a competitive edge.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Liz Burdock, President & CEO, Business Network for Offshore Wind
  • Jack Haynie, Offshore Wind Lead, Baird & Associates
  • Jan Klaassen, Business Unit Director-Americas, DEME
  • Jamie Lescinski, Director of Business Development, Boskalis
  • Charlie Papavizas, Partner & Chair, Maritime, Winston & Strawn

9:35 a.m.
The Race for Larger Turbines and the Downstream Costs

Project economics are pushing manufacturers and developers to deploy larger and larger turbines on their projects, but the logistical considerations of increasingly bigger blades and nacelles is driving up costs on a supply chain that is working to keep up. Port and vessel operators are already contemplating costly upgrades to existing assets or could find themselves unable to service the industry. How are port or vessel operators adapting their business plans for 15GW, 18GW or even 20GW turbines? What policy measures should stakeholders consider for capturing the full economic benefits of large turbines while ensuring the supply chain can meet project and policy demand?

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Jay Borkland, Board Chair, Business Network for Offshore Wind
  • Carsten Lerche Agerbæk, Harbour Development Engineer, Ørsted
  • Noé Rouxel, Senior Project Manager & Consultant- Offshore Wind, DNV
  • Michael Taylor, Head of Ports, U.S. Renewables, Equinor
  • Joanna Urriza, Marine Operations Manager, Vestas
10:25 a.m.
Networking Break

Wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs), critical for the deployment of offshore wind farms, are in short supply. With a price tag in the mid-nine figures for U.S.- built WTIVs, financing a new build has proven difficult in the U.S. market and rising global demand threatens the availability of foreign-built vessels. Industry experts will debate whether new financing options (federal or state support), or new construction techniques and designs are the best solution to increase the cost-effectiveness of these critical vessels. 

10:45 A.m.
Attracting Private Infrastructure Capital into Offshore Wind Port Development

More than $25 billion worth of investment is needed in offshore wind port infrastructure over the next ten years to meet our offshore wind deployment and supply chain ambitions. While state and federal sources are ramping up, it’s unclear whether public funding will be able to close this infrastructure financing gap. This panel will explore why traditional private infrastructure finance investors have not yet fully embraced offshore wind port projects and what states, port authorities, and port project developers can do to tap into the billions of dollars of private capital in search of high-quality infrastructure projects.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Brian Sabina, CEO, Clean Energy Terminals
  • Sean Boyd, Managing Director, Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors
  • Peter Ford, Founder, SkyRock Advisors/ Senior Advisor, Apollo Global Management Infrastructure
  • Emily Huggins Jones, Partner, Locke Lord LLP
  • Sloane Perras, Vice President, Foss Offshore Wind

11:35 A.M.
A Conversation with the Coast Guard: Understanding U.S. Regulations for Offshore Wind Vessels

Speakers:

  • Captain Daniel Cost, U.S. Coast Guard
  • John Begala, Vice President for Federal and State Policy, Business Network for Offshore Wind (Interviewer)
12:05 p.m.
Networking Lunch

Scaling up the U.S. offshore wind industry will require hundreds of vessels – but do America’s shipyards have the capacity to meet this demand? Experts from the nation’s leading shipyards will explore options for expanding capacity, including private and public funding.

1:15 P.M.
IPF Call for Workshops & Utilizing the Network’s Market Intelligence & Business Development Tools

The Business Network for Offshore Wind tracks the U.S. offshore wind market daily. Using our Offshore Wind Dashboard and market reports, this session will provide you with the latest developments and status of the U.S. offshore wind fleet. Network staff will share an overview of the Offshore Wind Market Dashboard, Supply Chain Connect, and Direct Connect. Learn how these products can help you stay informed on the quickly evolving offshore wind industry and connect with others to win contracts. You will also learn how to submit your workshop proposals for the 2024 International Partnering Forum (April 22-25 in New Orleans).

Speaker:

  • Carley Milligan, Senior Writer & Content Developer, Business Network for Offshore Wind
  • Denielle Christensen, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Marketing, Business Network for Offshore Wind
1:30 P.M.
The Potential of Unmanned Surface Vessels in Offshore Wind: Reducing Cost, Carbon, and Risk

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) have the potential to support the full breadth of offshore wind projects, from surveying and monitoring to operations and maintenance. Increasingly, companies are employing these autonomous vehicles to lower costs, decrease carbon output, and improve safety for workers. But as USVs grow in popularity within the offshore wind industry, regulations and protocols around their use remain scarce and unclear. This panel will address specific situations and uses for USVs and best practices for adoption

Speakers:

  • Moderator: John Begala, Vice President for Federal and State Policy, Business Network for Offshore Wind
  • Captain Daniel Cost, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Shayan Haque, Business Development Manager, Exail
  • Richard Simpson, Project Director, Fugro
2:20 p.m.
Networking Break

Two dozen East Coast ports. 27 wind projects. At least a dozen manufacturing centers in the U.S. alone. Lacking the massive ports of Europe, the U.S. industry will instead need to rely on a sophisticated logistical system to reach 30 GW in the next seven years. As the center of this effort will be America’s marshalling hubs. Experts will talk about the state of the marshalling hub industry, how they come to life, and what the business opportunities are for suppliers.

2:50 p.m.
Learn Globally and Save Locally: Marine Risk Trends to Avoid and Practices to Adopt

The global offshore wind industry is currently worth in the region of USD33.5bn but is experiencing a shortage of specialized ports and vessels to support the installation of, and long-term operations of, offshore wind farms. Key vessels used in this sector are wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV), cable laying vessels (CLV), service operation vessels (SOV), and crew transfer vessels (CTV). Learn about the risks these vessels face in markets around the world, how owners and operators address these risks, and how lessons learned can be applied to support a safe and prosperous US market.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Ben Brown, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, InPower
  • Josh Diedrich, Managing Director, Windserve Maine
  • Steve Mason, Marine Assurance Manager, ABL Group
  • Peter Townsend, Marine Insurance Specialist, Miller

3:40p.m.
Port Upgrades for the Future of Offshore Wind

By 2050, the United States should have at least 110 GW of offshore wind installed and operating in multiple regions across the country. Ports will be at the heart of this buildout, serving first as the industry’s logistics hub for manufacturing and assembly, and later as the maintenance base for dozens of wind projects for decades to come. As infrastructure upgrades and expansions get underway today, ports need to begin considering the future needs and demands of the offshore wind industry. This panel will explore the challenges ports face as they work to anticipate and address the industry’s changing needs, and ensure long-term profitability. Architects of our future ports will also discuss how decarbonization, electrification, and new fuels will change port operations, what role AI and automation might play, and how best to approach public support for large-scale upgrades.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Christopher Moelter, Senior Managing Environmental Planner, Anchor QEA
  • Brent Cooper, Project Manager, COWI
  • Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez, Senior Director for Policy & Outreach, Business Network for Offshore Wind
  • Evan Matthews, Director of Business Development for Ports & Terminals, Crowley Wind Services
  • Suzanne Plezia, Senior Director & Chief Harbor Engineer, Port of Long Beach
4:30p.m.
Closing Remarks


Speaker
:

  • Dr. Joseph Orgeron, Representative for District 54, Louisiana House of Representatives
4:35p.m.
Networking Happy Hour

Friday, September 22

Sessions will be taking place from 9:00 a.m. CST to noon on February 4.

8:00 a.m
Networking Breakfast
  • Sponsored by Jacobs
9:00 a.m.
Recap & Welcome Back

Speaker:

  • John Begala, Vice President of State and Federal Policy, Business Network for Offshore Wind
9:05 a.m.
gulf of Mexico Regional Port Briefing

Scaling offshore wind development in the U.S. to meet long-term clean energy goals is going to require significant investment in the country’s existing port infrastructure. Ports need acreage, deep water access, increased lifting capacity, and much more to handle the massive turbine components now and in the years to come — especially as such parts continue to grow. In the Gulf, port leaders are already discussing plans to accommodate the offshore wind industry and will share some of their early plans and actions in this regional briefing. Join us to hear from representatives of ports in Louisiana and Texas about what’s in the cards for next year and how they’re supporting the industry’s future in the Gulf.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Will Baldwin, Partner and Maritime Transactions Team Leader, Jones Walker
  • Chris Fetters, CEO, Louisiana 23 Company, LLC
  • Lacy McManus, Executive Director of Future Energy, Greater New Orleans, Inc.
  • Nick Pestello, Director of Engineering, Maintenance, & Development, Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District 
  • Loulan Pitre, Partner, Kelly, Hart & Pitre (Representing the Port of Fourchon)
9:55 a.m.
Keynote remarks

Speaker:

  • Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana

10:15 a.m.
Networking Break

Feedering was first used as a system to utilize foreign-flagged wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) in U.S waters, but the realities of the U.S. port system may make their use the norm. A panel of industry leaders will share their views on the future of feedering and what the industry hopes to learn from the experiences of Vineyard Wind. 

10:35 a.m.
Training Up the Maritime Workforce

Deploying the 30 GW market in the U.S. requires mobilizing at least a hundred vessels conducting short-term installation and long-term operations and maintenance activities. The market is responding – 36 offshore wind dedicated vessels are planned for construction or will undergo retrofit. But in an era of maritime staffing shortages, where will the vessel crews come from to man the dozens of new vessels expected to operate in the industry? Industry experts will speak to building the maritime pipeline for offshore wind and draw lessons from operator’s experience in the Gulf of Mexico and marine industries.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Dustin Varnell, U.S. Country Manager, Osbit
  • Michael Greenwood, Commercial Director, Offshore Wind, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
  • Brigitte Hagen-Peter, Global Lead – Marine Projects, New Wave Offshore Energy
  • John O’Keeffe, Vice President of Business Development, Waterson Terminal Services
11:25a.m.
Carbon Neutral Alternatives for the Offshore Wind Fleet

As vessel owners seek to reduce their carbon footprint, alternative fuel sources have begun to gain traction. If offshore wind develops as a favorable form of power for alternative vessel fuels, could there be a day in the near future where vessels can re-fuel at wind farms without coming into port? Panelists will explore the market potential for this innovative offshore wind offtake opportunity, and what it may mean for project design and supply chain development.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Benjamin Allums, Assistant Professor of Law, Loyola University New Orleans – College of Law
  • Emily Felt, Senior Consultant, U.S. Department of Energy
  • George Franssen, Marine Account Manager, Wärtsilä North America
  • Anastasija Kuprijanova, Director of Maritime Business Development, Amogy
  • David Tyler, Marketing Director, Artemis Technologies

12:15 P.M.
Closing Remarks & Networking Lunch

Speaker:

  • John Begala, Vice President of State and Federal Policy, Business Network for Offshore Wind
Speakers:
JOIN US

Hotel & Venue

Hyatt Regency New Orleans
601 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70113

Accommodations in New Orleans

The 2023 OSW Port & Vessel Summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. The Network’s block of discounted rooms has expired, but can you still book at the Hyatt Regency at the standard rate. 

Port & Vessel Summit

Sponsors

exhibitors

Media Partners

Summit Sponsorship

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Denielle Christensen or Maryanne Jefferson at the Business Network for Offshore Wind. Download our Sponsorship Opportunities PDF to learn more.

Summit Attendance

Professionals came together at the OSW O&M / Health & Safety Summit for two days of workshops focused on operations and maintenance, health and safety, and data industries. View and download the Attendance List PDF

Covid-19

Health & Safety Guidelines

The Business Network for Offshore Wind is firmly committed to the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors – your health and well-being are our number one priority.  Please review the Business Network for Offshore Wind’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines detailed on the Network website. 

SPONSORS
Mentors and CEOs

Conference speakers

David Moyes
CEO, Colibri
Jayden Morris
Graphic Designer, Parrot
Richard Mortensen
Sales Executive, Finch
Felix Moyer
Customer Happinness, Herrons
Richard Oreta
Managing Director, Falcon
Sanit Khan
Sales Manager, Plover
Raymond Wright
Scrum Master, Eagle
Martha Hill
Sales Executive, Hummingbird