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What Is Energy at Sea? Unpacking the 2026 International Partnering Forum Agenda

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Oceantic Network’s 2026 International Partnering Forum, taking place February 9-12 in New York City, boasts a forward-looking agenda with an eye on innovation. 

At 2026 IPF – Energy at Sea, Oceantic will build on more than a decade of supply chain leadership in large-scale ocean energy projects by expanding its focus to include the next generation of marine technologies. Attendees will gain access to the latest research and development, innovations, partnerships, and opportunities to stay at the forefront of the industry and build long-term business plans for the ocean economy of the future.

What does “Energy at Sea” mean? 
If it powers the ocean economy, you’ll find it at IPF. 

This year’s agenda includes sessions on marine carbon dioxide removal, wave and tidal energy, aquatic solar, floating nuclear power plants, and more. Going beyond the technology, the program also focuses on the infrastructure that makes it all possible––ports, vessels, grid and transmission systems, and the people and policies that transform pilots into reality.

IPF is also about looking back, reflecting on lessons learned, and making tough decisions about necessary changes for the future. Through panels, presentations, and workshops, our speakers will discuss how to shape systems, plan infrastructure and drive change with the goal of building reliable and affordable energy to meet booming national and global demand for new energy generation sources.

At a pivotal moment for American energy, IPF 2026 Energy at Sea challenges the industry to reimagine its future, renew its foundation, and reignite momentum. 

Here’s a closer look at what to expect from this year’s agenda. Or explore it for yourself here, and keep checking back, as new speakers are added daily. 

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Designing a More Durable American Model

Start IPF Week on February 10 with discussions on building a resilient, cost-effective American ocean energy model. Explore operational data, state-level strategies, and supply chain adaptations for 2030 and beyond.

It all starts with the Opening Plenary and keynote remarks from Oceantic CEO Liz Burdock and other industry leaders.

Unlocking a $3 Trillion Opportunity

Discover innovations driving the global ocean economy toward a projected $3 trillion valuation by 2030. A 101 Breakfast session on February 11 highlights emerging technologies, supply chain opportunities, and market potential. 

Dive deeper into these topics with workshops and speakers covering:

  • Tools and resources for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), and the lessons mCDR companies can gain from other marine industries. 
  • Aquatic solar PV case studies that unpack early challenges and breakthroughs, and explore how to scale pilots into reliable clean energy assets.
  • Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) as a transformative frontier, including current guidance, designs, and opportunities.

Transmission Collaboration for the Future

Gain insights into offshore transmission needs and innovations. Four dynamic sessions developed in partnership with the POINTS Consortium and Northeast States Collaborative will address smarter grid design, scalability, technical barriers, and global solutions.

Use the IPF agenda’s filter option and select ‘Grid & Transmission’ under Tags for more details on each session.

Canada is looking to its coastal regions to power its renewable energy future. With the world’s longest shorelines and some of the strongest offshore wind speeds, Canada holds vast untapped potential in ocean energy, especially along the Atlantic coast. Oceantic Network’s recent Global Insights webinar explored how the emerging offshore wind industry is gathering speed in Canada, from Nova Scotia’s ambitious plans to national policies setting the stage for large-scale development. The webinar was led by Amanda White, Senior Director, Operations & Member Services at Marine Renewables Canada, who provided a detailed presentation on the state of the market, which is summarized below.

Canada’s journey to offshore wind began with marine renewable technologies such as tidal and wave energy. Over the past decade, provinces like Nova Scotia and British Columbia have nurtured small-scale tidal projects and research initiatives. Early programs, such as shared infrastructure, feed-in tariffs, and demonstration permits, have helped attract more than $100 million in international investment. These efforts created jobs in rural communities, advanced research, and built regulatory experience.

Nova Scotia is spearheading the country’s offshore wind push. The province enjoys consistent wind speeds and shallow waters ideal for fixed and floating turbines. In fact, its estimated offshore wind potential exceeds Canada’s total electricity demand. After extensive public and stakeholder consultations, Nova Scotia designated four priority wind energy areas—French Bank, Middle Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Sydney Bight—laying the groundwork for competitive bidding. A joint federal-provincial regulator, the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER), will oversee leasing and licensing in federal waters. The process includes a forthcoming call for information, pre-qualification of bidders, and eventual calls for competitive bids. Winning developers will receive submerged land licenses, with project authorizations required before construction.

The economic promise is enormous: offshore wind can deliver renewable electricity domestically, enable green hydrogen production, and create thousands of jobs. Yet, as with any emerging industry globally, there will be challenges as the industry develops in Canada. Rising interest rates have driven up financing costs, there’s a trend of global shortages in required vessels and labor, and the current supply chain cannot meet full global project demands.

Canada stands at the threshold of a new energy era. With clear policy frameworks, strong regional collaboration, and world-class natural resources, the nation is ready to scale offshore wind from concept to reality. If progress continues as planned, Nova Scotia’s first projects could help meet national climate goals, diversify the energy mix, and position Canada as a global leader in marine renewable energy.

For U.S. companies, the upcoming Global Gateway delegation trip to Canada, where delegates will attend the Marine Renewables Canada conference in Halifax (November 12–14), offers a unique chance to explore the market firsthand. Participants will benefit from B2B matchmaking, insider insights, and direct access to developers, ports, and policymakers.

At Oceantic’s International Partnering Forum conference, happening February 9-12, 2026, in New York City, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with some of the Canadian companies participating in the event. Additionally, IPF attendees will hear about the momentum shift toward a broader, binational offshore energy strategy. The Closing Plenary session will bring together regional leaders to explore how cross-border collaboration can unlock the full potential of Atlantic Ocean energy. 

More information on IPF programming and speakers is available in our online conference agenda, which is updated regularly. Book your hotel and register today.

Scotland is rapidly emerging as a global leader in floating offshore wind energy, offering a compelling opportunity for U.S. companies to expand into a thriving and strategically positioned market. During a recent Oceanic Network webinar, experts from Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International outlined the scale, ambition, and support available for American businesses looking to enter Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.

With over 45 gigawatts in the pipeline and a government commitment of £500 million to strengthen the domestic supply chain, Scotland is not only investing in infrastructure but also actively seeking global partners. The country’s legacy in oil and gas has created a skilled workforce and robust port infrastructure, particularly along the northeast coast, that have transitioned into offshore wind. 

One of the most exciting developments is Scotland’s leadership in floating offshore wind technology. Projects like Kincardine, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm, and Sea Green, a fixed-bottom project, demonstrate Scotland’s technical capabilities and ambition. However, the majority of components for these projects have been sourced internationally due to cost competitiveness and a lack of domestic Tier 1 manufacturers. This presents a clear opportunity for U.S. companies to fill critical gaps in the supply chain, especially in manufacturing and assembly.

To address these challenges, Scotland has launched the Industrial Growth Plan, aiming to triple manufacturing output and double R&D investment. Key focus areas include blade and tower manufacturing, floating foundations, and next-generation operations and maintenance technologies. The plan also emphasizes innovation, automation, and sustainability—areas where U.S. firms can bring valuable expertise.

Grid infrastructure is another critical piece of the puzzle. Scotland is investing £32 billion to connect 23 gigawatts of offshore wind to the national grid by 2030, including high-voltage “superhighways” to transport energy from the north to demand centers in the south. This massive undertaking underscores the urgency and scale of Scotland’s energy transition.

For U.S. companies, the upcoming Global Gateway delegation trip to Scotland where delegates will attend and exhibit at the Floating Offshore Wind conference in Aberdeen (November 12–13), offers a unique chance to explore the market firsthand. Participants will benefit from B2B matchmaking, insider insights, and direct access to developers, ports, and policymakers.

Scotland’s offshore wind sector is not just a local opportunity—it’s a launchpad for servicing the broader European market. With a two- to three-year competitive advantage and a clear roadmap for growth, Scotland is calling on international partners to help build the future of clean energy.

At Oceantic’s IPF conference, happening February 9-12, 2026, in New York City, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Scottish companies participating in the event. Additionally, IPF attendees will learn more about floating offshore energy and strategies for developing components on a global scale. Sessions on operations and maintenance (O&M) will also be available at IPF where attendees can learn about emerging innovations and new technologies that can be implemented both domestically and internationally. Book your hotel and register today.

Optimum Rope Access Solutions is leading the charge in workforce development for the U.S. offshore wind industry. Founded on the principle that technical excellence and professional integrity should be the norm—not the exception—Optimum has grown from supporting land-based wind farms to becoming a trusted partner for offshore wind operations. 

Their journey into the U.S. offshore wind industry was a natural evolution, driven by deep expertise in Rope Access and Global Wind Organization (GWO) training. As the demand for skilled, safety-focused teams surged, Optimum was ready. Their Amarillo, Texas-based facility now serves as a hub for training, equipping, and deploying certified, field-ready technicians who are aligned with the company’s core values: professionalism, safety, and responsiveness. 

Through Optimum Academy, the company offers comprehensive GWO, Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT), and industrial safety training. However, the academy provides more than just certifications—technicians leave with confidence, a strong safety culture, and the ability to perform at the highest standards. This investment in people is helping build a more skilled and dependable workforce across the wind energy sector. 

Beyond services and training, Optimum is building a culture. Their team is comprised of individuals who are passionate about their craft, their colleagues, and the impact of their work. This commitment to excellence resonates throughout the organization and drives their mission to shape the future of industrial access and renewables—one technician at a time. 

Tell us about a recent project or an upcoming offshore wind project you’re working on. 

We recently supported GE Vernova on a major U.S. offshore wind project, mobilizing a fully certified team within a short window, and have since scaled our on-site team more than 10-fold. Our ability to rapidly deploy highly qualified GWO- and SPRAT-certified professionals has enabled us to keep clients on schedule, even in the face of weather delays and complex logistical challenges. We’re also preparing for several land-based and offshore projects. 

What benefits have your technicians seen from your training? What about the industry? 

Technicians who complete training with Optimum Academy don’t just walk away with certifications; they gain confidence, field-readiness, and a deep understanding of safety culture. For the industry, this means a more competent and dependable workforce that performs at the highest standard. 

What is your long-term outlook within the U.S. supply chain? The global supply chain? 

We see Optimum playing a critical role in strengthening the American offshore wind supply chain by providing reliable and scalable workforce solutions. In the long term, we aim to integrate more deeply with onshore and offshore wind farm maintenance, both in the U.S. and globally. Our training academy and workforce development give Optimum a unique edge in contributing to a more sustainable and skilled labor pipeline, with technician safety at its core. 

New England desperately needs new power generation to meet the region’s rising demand, stabilize its power grid, and lower electricity costs. When a project like Revolution Wind is 80% complete, you don’t hit pause—you finish. Turbines are already in the water. Union crews are already at work. And yet, a stop-work order has put the brakes on one of America’s most necessary clean energy projects.

Offshore Wind Will Lower New England Electricity Bills

Renewable energy’s marginal cost is near zero—no fuel needed. This drives down wholesale prices, especially during peak demand. And with a power purchase agreement locked in at ~9.8¢/kWh for 20 years, it’s a bargain compared to volatile traditional energy prices and the current average electric rate in the region.

Portfolio studies confirm offshore wind significantly improves winter reliability when gas pipelines are stressed. Harsh New England winters drive up energy demand, and ratepayers bear the burden when prices spike to meet those peaks. Revolution Wind will deliver affordable, reliable power to 350,000 New England homes at a fixed cost for decades.

Offshore Wind Will Prevent Blackouts & Grid Failures

ISO-New England, which operates the power grid in six states, warned that delaying Revolution Wind raises power reliability risks for 15 million people by increasing the risk of outages in the region, as well as “adversely affect New England’s economy and industrial growth, including potential future data centers.” It continued, such “unpredictable risks and threats” to large energy projects well into development “will stifle future investments, increase costs to consumers, and undermine the power grid’s reliability.” 

The same worries are rippling through the New England Power Generators Association, which represents a broad coalition of energy companies that supply 95 percent of the region’s electricity. “We need all of these energy technologies,” said Dan Dolan, the group’s president. “[Actions like this] undermine reliability, raise costs, and damage the credibility of our energy markets. New England needs forward momentum, not abrupt stops that put both consumers and suppliers in a worse position.”

Offshore Wind Delivers Energy Security

Revolution Wind is financed and fully permitted, the product of a 34-state supply chain and vast private investment in U.S. ports, shipyards, and manufacturing. Halting at this stage is wasteful and destabilizing to an American supply chain that spans 40 states, has driven $25 billion in investments, and employs thousands of U.S. workers.

Investors and states—namely, Rhode Island and Connecticut—are calling it a reckless move that undermines energy affordability and economic stability.

This isn’t just a wind farm—its families paying more for their electricity, businesses grappling with frequent blackouts, union workers forced out of a job, and a wasted investment in our energy and economic future. It’s time to keep building. 

The numbers don’t lie – offshore wind is affordable, reliable, and American-made. The cost to build offshore wind power is cost-competitive with natural gas, cheaper than nuclear energy, and faster to deploy than nearly all other energy sources today. And more than 65% of New England voters are in favor of building it, regardless of political affiliation. Offshore wind works. 

From the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes and the Delaware River, shipyards are churning out vessels for the nation’s next energy armada–America’s Offshore Wind Fleet. Thousands of welders are collectively manufacturing vessels that will survey, install, and maintain America’s newest, large-scale energy source that is destined to alleviate power supply and cost concerns. Development of this fleet is supporting thousands of jobs and anchoring long-term investments in ports, shipyards, and U.S. steel manufacturing. Together, these ships aren’t just essential to offshore wind, they are delivering new work to shipyards after years of limited newbuild activity, leading the way for a broader resurgence in American industrial capability, skilled labor, and supply chain strength.

In April 2025, President Trump signed the Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, a directive aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding sector, expanding the domestic maritime workforce, and strengthening the nation’s industrial base. Yet this revival is already underway. Over the past five years, offshore wind has been a catalyst for building and retrofitting more than 40 specialty vessels at American shipyards, with yet another 20 already in the queue. These vessels — from service operation vessels (SOVs) and mighty heavy-lift installation vessels to crew transfer vessels and cable-lay barges — are designed to operate under the Jones Act, ensuring they are built in America, by American workers, and with American Steel.

This summer marks a milestone in that story. Five capital-class, U.S.-built offshore wind vessels representing well north of $1.2 billion in new investments officially join the flotilla: the Acadia, Charybdis, ECO Liberty, MARMAC 306, and the industry’s third newbuilt SOV — yet to receive its name. Each represents months or years of work in shipyards across three coasts, employing welders, electricians, marine engineers, and skilled tradespeople. Collectively, they illustrate the offshore wind sector’s raw potential to stimulate shipyard activity, create well-paying jobs, and modernize the maritime energy task force in alignment with the nation’s priority to reestablish commercial maritime dominance.

The economic impact extends far beyond the yard gates. Vessel construction supports steel fabrication shops, electronics suppliers, port facilities, and training programs in coastal and inland states alike. The ECO Liberty supply chain, for example, reached communities across 34 states––well beyond its shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. Its thousands of tons of steel were forged in Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia. Specialized American equipment makes up its many pipes and valves, watertight doors, electrical components, and massive engines. For communities across the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast, offshore wind is a new source of industrial activity that complements traditional shipbuilding markets and offers long-term growth potential.

Photo courtesy Edison Chouest.
ECO Liberty, the nation’s first plug-in hybrid SOV, built in Louisiana by Edison Chouest for Empire Wind (810 MW). Photo courtesy Edison Chouest.

The U.S. offshore wind market is still in its early stages, yet the demand for specialized vessels is already significant—and growing. Over the next two decades, dozens more vessels will be needed to build, operate, and maintain offshore wind farms along America’s coasts. With thoughtful policy alignment, this demand can serve as a steady, predictable pipeline of work for American shipyards, strengthening the very industrial base the nation aims to restore.

Oceantic Network, representing more than 400 companies in the offshore wind and maritime supply chain, is committed to telling this story. This “Summer of Ships” is more than a milestone—it’s a message. Offshore wind is aligning with national priorities to restore American shipbuilding, strengthen the industrial base, and modernize the fleet. For policymakers and maritime stakeholders, the takeaway is clear: the energy transition is also an industrial resurgence, and the proof is leaving the yard with American names on the stern.

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