The annual Ventus Gala celebrates and honors global industry innovations, accomplishments, and trailblazers
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2025
Media Contact: Melinda Skea | [email protected] | 202-709-9793
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA — Oceantic Network hosted the Ventus Gala last night in Virginia Beach, where the offshore renewable energy industry gathered to celebrate its collective accomplishments and honor the 2025 Ventus Awards recipients. Oceantic announced the winners of the ten Ventus Award categories, which recognizes the trailblazing people, companies, and organizations ushering in the global advancement of offshore wind and ocean renewables. Winners represent the full supply chain in categories including Innovation of the Year, Offshore Wind Leadership, the Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence, and more.
The 2025 Ventus Award winners include start-up companies like Aikido Technologies, for its innovative floating offshore wind platform; public organizations like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, for its workforce development efforts; and partnerships between supply chain companies like Edison Chouest Offshore and Ørsted, for their ECO Edison Service Operations Vessel, launched in May 2024, which serves as a case study for industry partnership and investment, supply chain localization, and project execution.
“The Ventus Gala is the offshore renewable energy industry’s most anticipated evening, where we come together to honor the achievements that are shaping the future of our sector,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network. “This year’s winners exemplify the bold leadership, technical innovation, and collaborative spirit driving offshore wind and ocean renewables to new heights. From established global players to rising entrepreneurs, each honoree represents a vital link in the growing, national supply chain. I applaud all of this year’s finalists for their passion and progress that are propelling this American energy industry forward.”
Advancement in Project Siting & Development
Heerema Engineering Solutions – Delft, Netherlands
Given to an individual, team, or company that has developed a technology, process, or demonstrated immense effort and collaboration to advance or improve offshore wind or other ocean renewables project development risk, cycle, or timeline.
Health, Safety & Environment Program of the Year
Sea Services North America – New London, Connecticut
Recognizes an organization’s successful implementation of policies and/or training programs.
Innovation of the Year
Saildrone & RPS Tetra Tech – Alameda, California; Abingdon, England
Singular innovation that will contribute to the acceleration of offshore renewable energy.
Next Wave Leadership
Cameron Poole, GNO Inc. – New Orleans
Recognizes a professional who is 35 years old or younger and has been in the industry less than ten years.
Offshore Wind Leadership
DEME Offshore US – Massachusetts
Given to a company or public entity that exhibits outstanding leadership, benefiting industry growth, development, and market maturation.
Offshore Wind Trailblazer
Tershara Matthews, WSP USA – New Orleans
Given to an individual that exhibits outstanding leadership proven through their ability to instigate/bring about industry growth, development, and market maturation.
Supply Chain Advancement Award – Private Sector
Edison Chouest Offshore & Ørsted – Houma, Louisiana; Boston
LS GreenLink USA – Chesapeake, Virginia
Recognizes a company making a lasting contribution to the advancement of the offshore wind energy supply chain.
Supply Chain Advancement Award – Public Sector
Baltimore County Government – Baltimore
Virginia Economic Development Partnership – Richmond, Virginia
Recognizes a public sector entity making a lasting contribution to the advancement of the offshore wind energy supply chain.
Talent Management Leadership
New Jersey Economic Development Authority – Trenton, New Jersey
Recognizes individuals who nurture and develop a new generation of leaders.
Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence
Aikido Technologies – San Francisco, California
Recognizes excellence in engineering that advances the offshore renewable energy industry.
The annual event’s namesake traces back to Roman mythology, referring to a fusion of the four deities of the four wind deities from each corner of the world. The Ventus award design represents the intertwining of elements to create a harmonious balance of elegance and strength. It is the swirling gusts of wind and the rolling ocean tides—a culmination of a natural, cyclical process in nature—and a reminder that only by the combination of efforts can we affect the change we wish to see. Each award was created with handblown glass by Baltimore, Maryland artist Tim McFadden.
Additional Information:
For more information or to arrange an interview with an Oceantic spokesperson, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected] or 202-709-9793.
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Oceantic Network envisions a thriving marine renewable energy industry powering strong economies. Offshore wind energy is the gateway to a host of other ocean renewables, including green hydrogen, wave energy, offshore solar, and more. Our collaborative member network advances the marine renewable energy market and builds a robust supply chain of local companies. For more than a decade, Oceantic has grown alongside industry, setting the pace for an expanded view of what ocean-based renewable energy can deliver towards our nation’s economic and energy security. For more information about Oceantic membership, products and services, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
