New Bedford Offshore Wind Conference

New Bedford Offshore Wind Conference

October 5th-6th, 2023

The City of New Bedford has for generations been tied to the sea. The Port of New Bedford is home to America’s highest grossing commercial fishing industry. Today, it is also home to America’s first, commercial-scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind 1. New Bedford is once again lighting the world, actively positioning itself to be a leading hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry and a robust ecosystem for blue innovation and technology. Taking place in historic, downtown New Bedford, the conference was a unique and immersive industry event that included tours, diverse program tracks, and ample networking opportunities with industry leaders and key stakeholders at the center of advancing offshore wind in New Bedford and the Commonwealth.

Didn’t join us for our 2023 conference? Check out last year’s agenda.

Thursday, October 5th

Networking Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:50 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery, Sponsored by DEME Group

Opening Remarks & Keynote Presentations: 9:05-10:20 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater
Welcome: Jennifer Downing, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Keynote Presentations: John Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford; Jan Kjaersgaard, GE Renewables; Klaus Moeller, Vineyard Wind

Break: 10:20-10:35 a.m.

Panel Discussion on Fishing & Offshore Wind Coexistence Challenges & Opportunities: 10:35-11:35 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater
Panelists: Eric Reid, New Bedford Ocean Cluster & New England Fishery Management Council; Crista Bank, Vineyard Wind; Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority; Capt. Jarrett Drake, New Bedford Lobsterman

Lunch: 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery

Break: 12:30-1:00 p.m. (Board buses and travel to program tracks)

Program Tracks: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Workforce Development & Training, “Developing a Diverse & Equitable Offshore Wind Workforce of the Future” at Bristol Community College’s National Offshore Wind Institute

Track includes a facility tour, fireside chat with NOWI leadership, and a panel discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Jennifer Menard, Bristol Community College; Dr. Alan Lowden; Dr. Cynthia Brown, IWNL Energy; Carlos Avila, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Jennifer Cullen, Vineyard Wind; Jennifer Daloisio, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Callum Dewar, Maersk Training

Supply Chain, “Building the Offshore Wind Supply Chain in Massachusetts: Reflecting on Progress and Preparing for the future” at Shoreline Marine Terminal North, Pope’s Island, Sponsored by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Track includes a facility tour, panel discussion, and engaging roundtable discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Bruce Carlisle, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Dan Kent, Vineyard Wind; Michael Quinn, Quinn Fisheries & Shoreline Offshore; Vicki Chapman, Chapman Construction Group; Philip Hamels, Jan De Nul; Joel Whitman, Foss Offshore Wind; Matt Cadwallader, TerraSond

Innovation & Technology, “Fisheries & Offshore Wind: Advancing Science and Opportunities for Innovation” at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology

Track includes a facility tour, presentations, and panel discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Kevin Stokesbury, UMass Dartmouth; Pingguo He; Steven Cadrin, UMass Dartmouth; Travis Lowery, Vineyard Wind; Tim Barrett, Owner/Operator of F/V Odessa and President of Northeast Fishing Sector 10

Port Asset Tour #1: 3:30-4:15 p.m. and Port Asset Tour #2: 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Cuttyhunk Ferry, 66B State Pier, New Bedford(rotating tours)
Speakers: Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority; Andrew Saunders, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal; Tim Griffin, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Free time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. We encourage you to explore historic, downtown New Bedford during your free time. We recommend a visit to one of the following locations, which are in walking distance to the waterfront.

Cocktail Reception: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Black Whale

    After-Hours: 8:00 p.m. Not ready to call it a night? These great spots are in walking distance to The Black Whale: 

    Friday, October 6th

    Networking Breakfast: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery 

    Speaking Program I: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater 

    Vineyard Wind 1- Electrical Service Platform
    Anthony Janeczek, Semco Maritime Operations Manager
     

    Fireside Chat
    Andrew Saunders, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal; Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority 

    From Chemistry to Offshore Wind
    Megan Eddings, NewWave Chief Strategy Officer 

    Break: 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. 

    Speaking Program II: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater 

    From Catch to Current: Transforming New Bedford Fishing Vessels into a Renewable Energy Pioneer
    Ed Washburn, Coast Line Transfers Managing Director/Partner
     

    Fireside Chat: Vineyard Wind & Chapman Construction Group
    Dan Kent, Vineyard Wind Labor Relations Manager; Vicky Chapman, Chapman Construction Group President 

    Break: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

    Lunch, Self-Guided Museum Tours, Offshore Wind Industry Videos in Cook Memorial Theater 

    Thank you to our 2023 sponsors

    New Bedford Ocean Cluster 2023 Annual Meeting

    New Bedford Ocean Cluster 2023 Annual Meeting

    New Bedford Ocean Cluster

    2023 Annual Meeting

    Thanks for joining us!

    The NBOC held its first second Annual Meeting on January 25th. About 100 people gathered at the New Bedford Whaling Museum for an update on the organization work and accomplishments over the course of 2023. Special remarks were provided by New Bedford Mayor, Jon Mitchell, members of the NBOC Board of Directors, and NBOC Executive Director, Jennifer Downing.

    Speakers emphasized the NBOC’s significant progress in continuing to raise the organization’s profile on global stages, launching new industry events like the New Bedford Offshore Wind Conference held in October 2023, establishing valuable industry interest groups like its Fisheries Advisory Committee, the expansion of key staff, and the launch of new collaborative, high impact projects like the Southeastern New England Ocean Tech Hub. The meeting was followed by a lively reception in the Museum’s Jacobs Family Gallery. Check out photos from the meeting below!

    Offshore Wind Community Outreach Forum

    Offshore Wind Community Outreach Forum

    Offshore Wind Community Outreach Forum

    The New Bedford Ocean Cluster invites you to join us!

    Join us to explore how your company can work in the rapidly growing offshore wind industry through the Act Local Program and to meet industry peers.

    June 29th, 2022 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    Join us to explore how your company can work in the rapidly growing offshore wind industry through the Act Local Program and to meet industry peers.

    The event will include networking and remarks from the NBOC, Vineyard Wind and local business leaders. 

    In partnership with: