Global experts, policymakers, and supply chain partners united, underscoring industry adaptability, cross‑border opportunity, and a shared commitment to building a durable ocean economy
For Immediate Release: February 12, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — This week, nearly 900 professionals gathered in New York City for the 2026 International Partnering Forum (IPF), hosted by Oceantic Network. As the premier offshore renewable energy conference in the Americas, this year’s conference reflected on a challenging year, acknowledging the industry’s resolve and leadership in response to unprecedented attacks, and the importance of meeting the moment, as the decisions ahead will position the industry to deliver when energy demand reaches historic highs and grid reliability becomes a defining national challenge.
“IPF continues to be the industry’s most vital convening, uniting next-generation marine technologies with policymakers, academia, and the full offshore renewable energy supply chain to deliver energy security and advance our economic future,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network. “This year’s forum showcased the industry’s resilience and ability to collaborate, adapt, and outperform expectations, where a bold reimagining of the American ocean economy begins. Together, we’re charting a course toward a more durable, secure, and innovative future for American offshore energy.”
Thursday’s Closing Plenary featured remarks from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, a second-year keynote attendee at IPF, who spoke of the cross-border opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in the supply chain that will be necessary to support the current 5 GW procurement, acknowledging the generational jobs and economic lift from the construction and operation of Wind West. This commitment was recently anchored by a Memorandum of Understanding with Massachusetts to collaborate on knowledge sharing and explore pathways to deliver Nova Scotia wind energy to the Commonwealth.
“Gatherings like the International Partnering Forum are essential for building relationships, sharing ideas, and driving meaningful action,” said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. “I am proud to represent Nova Scotia at this event, which includes the top wind developers, producers, and manufacturers globally. Through initiatives like Wind West, we are creating jobs and positioning our province as a forward-looking, engaged partner, ready to help power a cleaner and stronger future.”
Prior to Premier Houston’s remarks, regional leaders explored how cross-border collaboration can unlock the full potential of the Atlantic Canada Region at Beyond Borders: A New Atlantic Alliance for Clean Power.
“Working together, we can continue to advance the clean energy we need to power our communities and lower costs. It is critical we work as a region and across borders to support the Atlantic offshore wind industry and needed transmission,” said Lisa Engler, MassCEC Deputy Managing Director of Offshore Wind. “Massachusetts is proud to partner with Nova Scotia to learn from each other and coordinate on grid integration, port investment, and workforce development.”
“With extensive acoustic work supporting U.S. offshore wind projects, JASCO knows what it takes to build responsibly at scale,” said Laura Morse, Director of Strategic Programs at Jasco Applied Sciences. “As both a Nova Scotia and U.S.-based company, we have seen firsthand the cross-national economic benefit the industry can bring. As regional collaboration accelerates, we’re ready to bring those proven solutions back to our “home turf” of Atlantic Canada and help drive Nova Scotia’s emergence as a clean energy leader.”
“Governments in Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, and up and down our coasts aren’t backing off from offshore wind –– in fact, they’re leaning in,” said Abby Watson, President, The Groundwire Group. “If these recent cold snaps and grid warnings have taught us anything, it’s that the value of offshore wind is as strong as ever. The growing collaboration between Canadian and New England leaders is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, cost-saving strategy that will carry this industry to a steadier future, allowing it to provide clean, reliable electricity for decades to come.”
2026 IPF closed with a final session, “Playing the Long Game: Preparing for the Next Chapter of Offshore Energy”, which explored how to strengthen the industry’s foundation and supply chain through permitting reform, depoliticizing its future, and building durable bipartisan support by doubling down on long-term economic benefits in steel, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. With finished projects now generating real-world data on job creation, power delivery, cost reduction, and environmental performance, there is a compelling evidence base to validate offshore energy’s success and position it as a cornerstone of America’s energy future.
This year’s IPF included more than 100 expert speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of networking events, convening ports, vessel operators, grid innovators, technology innovators, and state leaders together with the supply chain to spark innovation, forge partnerships, and deliver results across the offshore wind and ocean renewables sectors.
2027 IPF is in the early planning stages, at a Northeast offshore wind hub location and date to be announced this spring.
Additional Information
- 2026 IPF Agenda
- Closing Plenary photos (credit Oceantic Network)
- 2026 IPF Press Kit
For more information, or to arrange an interview with an Oceantic spokesperson, contact us at [email protected].
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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.
