December 19, 2025 As global demand for energy continues to grow, the ocean is emerging as a critical player for potential solutions. Ocean Visions—a science-based nonprofit—works across disciplines and sectors to catalyze innovations that could counter climate and ocean disruptions. One promising approach is marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). While countries seek to scale up ocean-based renewable energy production, mCDR could safely and durably remove legacy emissions from the atmosphere. We spoke about this emerging technology with Ocean Vision’s Nikhil Neelakantan and Ruth Driscoll-Lovejoy, who will lead a session at the 2026 International Partnering Forum (IPF), “Opportunities in Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal for the Marine Sector,” on Wednesday, February 11. Here’s your sneak peek into this not-to-be-missed session: Q: What is Ocean Visions and its role in mCDR?Driscoll-Lovejoy: Ocean Visions is a science-based nonprofit working to identify, co-design, evaluate, and support potential solutions to counter and reverse climate disruptions impacting the ocean. We focus on critical arenas, like the mCDR field, that are underinvested, and we catalyze efforts to develop and test innovation. In the mCDR space, we act as a field builder—launching initiatives that accelerate innovation, support research and development, and establish frameworks for responsible governance. Q: Why participate in IPF?Driscoll-Lovejoy: The ocean is an interconnected place. Multiple mCDR pathways are viewed as relatively new concepts or technologies, yet the research and monitoring infrastructure needed to ensure mCDR develops responsibly overlaps with the needs of other marine sectors. We will be paying attention to what the mCDR field can learn from other marine fields and industries, especially in regard to engineering innovations, piloting projects, and crossover applications. Q: What will attendees learn at your IPF session?Driscoll-Lovejoy: Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of mCDR and why it’s a growing field. Our panel of experts will dive into mCDR research and development and highlight opportunities for companies already in the marine sector to participate. This could include developing systems to improve the efficiency of mCDR technologies, such as reducing the energy required to pump water, or improved sensors for carbon measurement. Q: Who’s joining the panel?Neelakantan: Garrett Boudinot, CEO and founder of Vycarb, brings expertise in scalable carbon capture and monitoring systems. Sophie Chu, Principal Oceanographer & Director of MRV at Captura, will share insights on removing CO₂ from seawater and measuring environmental impacts. Q: What are the biggest challenges facing mCDR?Driscoll-Lovejoy: Novel mCDR technologies face hurdles including securing sufficient research and development funding and engaging key stakeholders and decisionmakers. Contributing to these challenges are; fragmented coordination of activities within the mCDR field and other marine sectors; public perception and awareness and aversion to the performance of novel or new marine activities; and finally, governance challenges for in-ocean field research. Q: How do you see the marine sector contributing to the scale-up of mCDR technologies?Driscoll-Lovejoy: The marine sector will provide infrastructure like seagoing vessels, aquaculture systems, and monitoring platforms, as well as contribute to baseline datasets that are necessary for testing mCDR technologies in real-world ocean environments. In a more comprehensive way, the marine sector hosts communities that the inchoate mCDR field should learn from and join. The role of the marine sector is not just a technical one, but a social one, helping to support responsible research which means the methods used follow best practices for equity, transparency, and alignment with ocean and human health. Q: What is the Ocean Visions Launchpad program?Neelakantan: Developed in 2021, Launchpad is a free accelerator program that connects innovators with expert advisors to optimize technologies and minimize negative environmental effects. It provides scientific and engineering guidance to help companies advance ocean-based carbon removal solutions. Q: What resources are available for those looking to learn more?Driscoll-Lovejoy: I encourage folks to look at Ocean Visions’ Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal Road Maps, which outline the technology readiness, scaling potential, uncertainties, obstacles, opportunities, and first-order priorities for mCDR technologies. I also recommend two interactive tools: the mCDR Ecosystem Database and mCDR Field Trial Database. The Ecosystem Database is an up-to-date repository of actors, activities, and collaborators engaged across the rapidly growing mCDR field. Similarly, to increase awareness of the state of development and improve knowledge-sharing across the ocean-climate community, the Field Trial Database includes information on different mCDR pathways being tested, details of carbon dioxide sequestration, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) strategy, and lessons learned from the trials. Additionally, you can view key metrics and see the geographical spread of mCDR field trials around the world.
December 3, 2025 LocalContent.com is redefining how the energy and infrastructure sectors measure and verify the performance of small and local businesses, also known as Local Content. The company’s platform delivers readiness assessments, compliance scores, certifications, supplier lists, and data signals that strengthen local participation, workforce development, and community benefit investments. As a strategic partner for the 2026 International Partnering Forum (IPF), the company is helping build a more competitive and resilient offshore wind and blue economy supply chain in the U.S. Local Content first entered the offshore wind energy industry after hearing an Oceantic Network podcast that called for more American small businesses to join the industry. Within a month, and after their own research, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) invited the company to join the New York delegation at 2021 IPF in Richmond, Virginia. That opportunity expanded their work into energy, maritime logistics, and port infrastructure, opening doors to clients across the domestic and international supply chain. Being a member of Oceantic Network has brought considerable value to the company and played a central role in its growth, according to Local Content leadership. This relationship has provided access to investors, developers, OEMs, agencies, and suppliers. Many of their strongest partnerships were forged while attending IPF. With IPF coming to New York City in 2026, Local Content is excited to help organizations navigate emerging opportunities across the region, including the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, Syracuse’s microchip expansion, domestic data center development, and mix used commercial sports, entertainment, and gaming—projects that are driving billions of dollars in new investment. The conference’s expanded focus on the blue economy, including floating nuclear energy, aligns with where the company sees the industry heading. Today, Local Content is focused on helping industry move from broad commitments to measurable results. Public-private RFPs and grants increasingly require documenting local economic, workforce, and community impacts. Local Content’s tools help organizations deliver the data, documentation, and accountability needed to build trust, reduce delays, and improve competitiveness. Their clients have secured millions of dollars in contracts, grants, and incentives through verified supplier and workforce strategies. The soon-to-be-released DomesticContent.com platform will verify project and product country-of-origin, creating a unified certification ecosystem for multiple sectors, including energy, maritime, manufacturing, broadband, and more. Globally, the company is positioning for expansion into Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, where mature local content systems align well with their approach. Local Content has supported more than 60% of U.S. offshore wind projects. In partnership with NYSERDA and Oceantic Network, they will host the Infrastructure Supplier Forum in New York City on February 9—free for suppliers attending 2026 IPF. The event helps companies explore offshore wind opportunities while diversifying into sectors like broadband, maritime, entertainment, and gaming. They will also debut their Best Companies To Work With List, recognizing top performers in readiness, compliance, and risk. The company brings a unique mix of compliance intelligence, risk control, and AI-era visibility to IPF and the broader offshore wind ecosystem. Their ownership of top-ranking Local Content and Domestic Content domains gives them unmatched authority as a primary source feeding LLMs with data and insights. Recent policy shifts and project delays have underscored the importance of supplier diversification. Local Content emphasizes multisector strategies, so businesses can remain resilient across all phases of project development—not just active construction cycles.
November 10, 2025 For more than 160 years, McAllister Towing has been a trusted name along the U.S. East Coast—synonymous with reliability, skill, and maritime innovation. With offshore wind project construction well underway in American waters, McAllister is channeling its deep harbor-assist and towing expertise into this new frontier of clean energy. “Offshore wind was a natural extension of what we’ve done for generations,” says Alessandra Tebaldi, Executive Vice President & General Counsel. With port locations stretching from Eastport, Maine, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, McAllister began its offshore wind journey by adapting existing tugs, terminals, and local mariner teams to near-shore logistics. The company then introduced Multi-Mission Support Vessels (MSVs)—repurposed and upgraded crew boats from the Gulf region —now homeported in Providence, Rhode Island, and designed to handle everything from crew transfer to remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support. These Jones Act-qualified assets have become a flexible, local-content solution supporting projects along the East Coast. Alicia F. McAllister lines up Charybdis—the first U.S.-built wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), constructed at Seatrium AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas—for her maiden delivery to her homeport at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area. (Photo courtesy McAllister Towing) McAllister has three central offshore wind goals: safe, on-schedule operations; community-based workforce development; and lower emissions. The company continues to bring newer, high-horsepower, low-emission tractor tugs into service. Training is key to that performance. McAllister’s role-based training system, supported by ISO and ISM certifications, includes simulator learning and partnerships with the Seamen’s Church Institute and SUNY Maritime College—where a $2.5 million pledge helped create the Captain Brian A. McAllister Simulator initiative. The result: mariners with clear career progression paths and projects staffed by skilled, safety-first crews. McAllister’s mark on major U.S. offshore wind projects is extensive. In Virginia, the company helped bring the first Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) monopiles into port, provided harbor-assist to Dominion Energy’s Charybdisinstallation vessel —including bringing her into Portsmouth Marine Terminal on her maiden voyage from the construction yard to her home port and securing her alongside — and supported Prysmian’s cable activities. In New York, McAllister’s low-emission tugs assisted during Empire Wind 1’s near-shore cable campaign, while around Rhode Island and Massachusetts, its MSVs Roger Williams and Gaspee served Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind. Beyond operations, McAllister’s strategic waterfront holdings—including facilities in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Fall River, Massachusetts—have become vital staging and laydown sites for offshore wind developers. McAllister’s edge lies in its adaptability. Its fleet can handle crew transfers, surveys, uncrewed systems, and cable support while minimizing mobilization time thanks to its extensive East Coast infrastructure. By pairing these flexible vessels with strong local management, the company helps projects stay on schedule, reduce costs, and cut emissions. McAllister Towing’s tugboats Washington, Jane McAllister, and Rosemary McAllister tow the cable-laying vessel Prysmian ULISSE in Hampton Roads in support of Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind. (Photo courtesy McAllister Towing) As McAllister begins preparing for the next wave of U.S.-built offshore support vessels, the company will attend the International Partnering Forum (IPF) and other events to strengthen its relationship with developers, OEMs, and shipyards. For McAllister, IPF isn’t just about business—it’s about community. “It’s always great to connect with the Oceantic Network team and the people driving this industry forward,” Alessandra notes.
October 29, 2025 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. 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. Register Now
September 30, 2025 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.
September 30, 2025 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.
