Along the Atlantic coast, against the backdrop of federal approval of Vineyard Wind 1, offshore wind developers are moving to set up their projects, but many questions remain about the supply chain that will be needed to build projects, supply materials and transportation, and provide O&M. There are many rewards to be had: a successful offshore wind project could provide millions to develop port and transmission infrastructure, as well as the offshore wind array itself.

This forum will bring leading experts to discuss the reliability, quality, and safety of marine logistics and wind power operations, including these topics:

• Supply chain infrastructure to ensure quality fabrication, installation and operation
• Cross industry collaboration with oil and gas and marine industries
• Insights on procurement frameworks, marine logistics and vessels supply chain

Attend this forum to gain an understanding of the opportunities in project implementation within the evolving North American Offshore Wind Market.

Learning Outcomes

This course will provide attendees an opportunity to:

• Review how the offshore wind supply chain is rapidly evolving and how to best position your organization
• Discuss the latest federal & state policies impacting offshore wind project supply chain stakeholders
• Identify a multitude of supply chain opportunities and how to take advantage of them
• Analyze what investors and financiers are considering when funding offshore wind projects
• Discover the latest innovative technologies and product solutions paving the way to a safe, reliable and sustainable offshore wind supply chain development – from ports, logistics, transportation, construction and operations
• Assess the different strategies employed to optimize investments in ports
• Navigate the intricacies of US offshore wind supply chain development
• Identify the unique construction & installation challenges of current & upcoming offshore wind projects in the US
• Evaluate the processes & challenges for offshore wind integration

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. :: Project Updates & Market Trends

The offshore wind market is experiencing exuberant growth. The University of Delaware estimates that projects in seven East Coast states involve capital costs of $70 billion and could result in 18.6 gigawatts of renewable energy. On the West Coast, proposed wind farms could create strong economic development. This session will provide an overview of market structure as offshore wind supply chain development begins.

Eric Thumma, Senior Director, New Business, Offshore Wind, Avangrid

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. :: Federal & State Policies & Impacts on Project Development

The regulatory and legal requirements for offshore wind installation and operation involve a complex array of federal, state, and local authorities. As projects are implemented, it is imperative for both developers and supply chain entities to know the regulatory policies and processes of federal and state governments. During this session, BOEM will give an update on federal policies and the latest timeline.

Dr. Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:15 – 10:45 a.m. :: Financing US Offshore Wind Projects

This session will cover current financing conditions and identify the business opportunities, risks, challenges, and considerations in the development of U.S. offshore wind projects.

Álvaro Ortega Sebastián, CFO, Vineyard Wind

10:45 – 11:30 a.m. :: Supply Chain Opportunities

This session will provide an overview of the steps businesses and states must take to build the infrastructure and supply chain to deliver offshore wind projects to completion and sustain reliable operation. Learn about layers of the supply chain and where your company could fit in.

• Regional Market Development
• Economic Benefits & Job Creation

Peter Lion, Senior Advisor, Offshore Wind, NYSERDA

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Ports

The development of the offshore wind supply chain will bring an influx of thousands of manufacturing and maintenance jobs that could transform ports and boost economic recovery. States are rushing to build infrastructure and get involved with what the offshore wind developers are planning. This session will discuss the different strategies employed to optimize investments in ports.

Edward Washburn, Former Director, Port of New Bedford, & Business Development Director, Crowley

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. :: Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. :: Solutions and Tech Forum

This forum will allow experts to discuss technology and product solutions to improve the reliability, quality and safety of port logistics, transportation, construction, and operations. In this series of presentations, you’ll hear about the latest technologies and the biggest challenges in offshore wind supply chain development.

Jeffrey Andreini, VP New Energy Services, Crowley

1:45 – 3:15 p.m. :: Navigating the US Offshore Wind Supply Chain

• Offshore Wind – New Energy Projects and Existing Supply Chains
  • New v. Existing Shorebases
  • Proximity, Value, and Transit
  • Workforce – Experience v. Training

• US Offshore Regulators – Everything Old is New Again
  • Customs & Border Protection – U.S. Flag Vessels v. Foreign Flag
  • BOEM – Leasing, Construction and Operations Plan and Contractor Liens
  • BSEE – Operational Safety and Offshore Workers

• Securitizing Contractors’ Work on Offshore Wind Leases
  • Liens – State and Federal
  • In rem actions by vessel owners/operators

Glenn Legge, Partner, HFW

Aaron Smith, Executive Director, OMSA

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. :: Construction & Installation

This session will provide an overview of the unique construction challenges of upcoming offshore wind projects including foundation construction, floating technology, and fabrication – all areas that will need significant supply chain engagement.

Jonah Margulis, SVP US Operations, Aker Offshore Wind USA

4:15 – 4:50 p.m. :: Transmission & Grid Connection Challenges

As offshore wind projects approach the “steel in the water” phase and the supply chain develops, significant planning is necessary to integrate tens of gigawatts of offshore wind generation into the onshore grid. This session will discuss connectivity issues and the potential impact to reliability and congestion of the power grid, the unique challenges of static and floating wind farms, and the possible workforce and personnel needed for implementing integration into the grid.

Kevin Knobloch, President, Knobloch Energy 

4:50 – 5:00 p.m. :: Open Q&A