ABS Hosts Second Annual Offshore Wind Forum to Discuss Accelerating the US Offshore Wind Market with Vessel Innovation
ABS hosted its second annual Offshore Wind Forum on November 30, 2021 in New Orleans before the start of the International Workboat Show. Appropriately titled “Offshore Wind: Accelerating the U.S. Market with Vessel Innovation,” the event brought together industry leaders to address how the rapid development of offshore wind in the U.S. is driving the need for new vessels that will help reach U.S. clean energy goals.
Vessel owners, designers, developers, suppliers and regulators gathered to hear leading experts from the offshore wind community to address future development in the U.S. and understand how the industry can support this growing development with both new and existing vessels and technology.
Greg Lennon, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Wind opened the half-day event with “U.S. Offshore Wind: What’s on the Horizon?”, a market overview addressing the latest developments on U.S. offshore wind projects.
This was followed by a panel discussion “Net Zero: Is a Carbon Neutral Offshore Wind Supply Chain Possible by 2030?” moderated by Liz Burdock, President and CEO, The Business Network for Offshore Wind, that addressed supply chain efficiencies for successful and sustainable offshore wind installations. Panelists included leaders from Moran Shipping Agencies, WindServe Marine, Glosten and Shell.
A second panel “Offshore Wind Vessels: Bigger. Better. Greener?” moderated by Greg Trauthwein, Editor and Associate Publisher, Maritime Reporter and Offshore Engineer, discussed how increasing turbine sizes and complexity impact vessel requirements and whether new builds or existing vessels challenge the market. Speakers on this panel included leaders from Harvey Gulf, Siemens Gamesa, and Vard.
The offshore wind forum concluded with a presentation from the Office of Design and Engineering Standards at the U.S. Coast Guard covering the U.S. regulations to consider as projects and vessels advance and their key working relationship with Class.
Greg Lennon, ABS Vice President for Global Offshore Wind shared “Together with key market panelists and attendees, we addressed some of the key issues to the U.S. OSW industry and its rapidly developing supply chain. We all feel the urgency with the emerging demand but also to incorporate the sustainable drivers in the market. We have seen the collaboration and expertise that is driving this expansion with scaling turbine and project sizes. Continued innovation in vessel design and technology will be required for our industry’s success,” said Lennon. “We have also gained further insight into the unique regulatory requirements of the U.S. market, which will be key to delivering achievement across the value chain. ABS will continue to support the offshore wind supply chain through each project’s design, construction to operations, leveraging our U.S. headquarters and leading local presence and our international team strength.”
Following the event, a reception co-hosted by ABS and the Business Network for Offshore Wind provided industry stakeholders an opportunity to share additional insights about the future of US Offshore Wind, further fuelling an optimistic vision for 2022.
About ABS In the Spotlight
News, views and information from ABS, our clients, our people and our community.
Tags:
