The Oceantic Network names finalists in ten Ventus Award categories for their bold new partnerships, groundbreaking research, and innovative environmental modeling
For Immediate Release: October 11, 2023
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE —The Oceantic Network, the leading organization working to accelerate offshore wind energy deployment and build a dedicated domestic supply chain, today announced finalists for the 2023 Ventus Awards in ten categories ranging from Innovation of the Year, Supply Chain Advancement, and Next Wave Leadership. This year’s finalists represent the breadth of the industry and its supply chain from ports and shipbuilders, manufacturers, and project developers to government initiatives and workforce development.
The annual Ventus Awards are the industry’s highest level of professional recognition, celebrating the innovative people, companies, organizations, and work worldwide moving the global offshore wind industry forward. All categories are open to nominations except the Heronemus Award for Outstanding Achievement in Offshore Wind, which this year will honor former Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Amanda Lefton. Submissions were reviewed by a Selection Committee of individuals representing the breadth of the offshore wind industry. Winners will be selected by a distinguished Judges Panel, including Reuven Carlyle, former Washington State Legislator (2009-2023); Angelina M. Galiteva, Founder and Board Chair of Renewables 100 Policy Institute; and Peter Rothstein, former president of the Northeast Clean Energy Council.
“The offshore wind industry has seen many successes and achieved several supply chain firsts over the past year,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of the Oceantic Network. “The successes that made headlines and those quietly moving the industry forward were possible thanks to the passion and talent of people and companies working across the world to hasten the energy transition. The Ventus Awards are our chance to honor them and the work they are doing to create quality jobs and combat global climate change to foster a better world for the next generation.”
Awards are presented in ten categories designed to highlight the contributions and innovations of global professionals advancing the offshore wind industry. All finalists will be recognized and winners in each category will be announced at the Ventus Gala taking place November 9 in Boston. Additionally, the 2023 Heronemus Award for Outstanding Achievement in Offshore Wind honoree, Amanda Lefton, will be recognized for her work to expand the offshore wind energy during her tenure as Director of BOEM.
“The U.S. offshore wind industry has rapidly cemented its place among the world’s most dynamic,” said Recharge acting editor-in-chief Andrew Lee. “That’s in no small measure due to the innovation and can-do thinking celebrated by the Ventus Awards, which are already firmly established as a highlight of the global sector’s calendar.”
The 2023 Ventus Award Finalists Are:
Advancement in Project Siting and Development
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 project development risk, cycle, or timeline.
- Heerema Engineering Solutions – Leiden, Netherlands
- OSI Renewables – Heartlands, UK
- TGS – Houston
Health, Safety, and Environment Program of the Year
Recognizes an organization’s successful implementation of policies and/or training programs.
- Benchmark Labs – San Diego
- Black & Veatch – Overland Park, Kansas
- Riggs Distler & Co. – Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Innovation of the Year
Singular innovation that will contribute to the acceleration of offshore wind.
- Bardex Corporation – Goleta, California
- Fugro – Leidschendam, Netherlands
- Triton Anchor – Chelmsford, Massachusetts
- University of Aberdeen – Aberdeen, Scotland
- X1 Wind – Barcelona, Spain
Next Wave Leadership
Recognizes a professional who is 35 years old or younger and has been in the industry less than ten years.
- Aaron Stoffers (Jaeger Maritime) – Hannover, Germany
- George Marling (OWC) – New York City
- Kathryn Rovang (Fugro) – Houston
- Samantha Mullin (RWE) – Boston
Offshore Wind Leadership
Given to a company or public entity that exhibits outstanding leadership, benefiting industry growth, development, and market maturation.
- Correll Services, Inc. – Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Joint State Innovation Partnership for Offshore Wind – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont
- Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs – Boston
- New Bedford Port Authority – New Bedford, Massachusetts
- New Jersey Wind Works – Trenton, New Jersey
Offshore Wind Trailblazer
The Offshore Wind Trailblazer award is given to an individual that exhibits outstanding leadership proven through their ability to instigate/bring about industry growth, development, and market maturation.
- Abby Watson (Groundwire Strategies) – Philadelphia
- Andy Benedetto (North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters) – Boston
- Gavin Robb (Ocean Winds) – Boston
- Jeanne M. Fox (NJBPU Ret.) – Trenton, New Jersey
- Matthew Palmer (Wood Thilsted) – Boston
Supply Chain Advancement – Private Sector
Recognizes a company that is making a lasting contribution to the advancement of the offshore wind energy supply chain.
- Brayton Point Commerce Center – Brayton Point, Massachusetts
- Coastal Line Transfers – Norwell, Massachusetts
- ECOncrete – New York City
- Edison Chouest Offshore – Galliano, Louisiana
- Nexans – Charleston, South Carolina
- Ørsted – Boston
Supply Chain Advancement – Public Sector
Recognizes a company that is making a lasting contribution to the advancement of the offshore wind energy supply chain.
- Eastern States Regional Council of Carpenters and Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College – Philadelphia
- New York State Energy Research & Development Authority and Advisian – Albany, New York; North Sydney, Australia
- Port of Albany – Albany, New York
Talent Management Leadership
Recognizes individuals who nurture and develop a new generation of leaders.
- Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind – Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Eric Empey (DEME Offshore U.S.) – Boston
- Haugland Group – Melville, New York
- Ocean Winds North America – Boston
- Shafin Khan (UNO Research & Technology Foundation) – New Orleans
- Subrina Oliver (O-High Technologies) – New York City
Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence
Recognizes excellence in engineering that advances the offshore wind energy industry.
- DEME Offshore U.S. and Foss Maritime – Boston; Seattle
- Linxon – Hyannis, Massachusetts
- Vaisala – Vantaa, Finland
The Ventus Gala is the offshore wind industry’s premier celebration, bringing together hundreds of professionals from across the global supply chain to toast the industry’s collective accomplishments, as well as honor the leaders and innovators that inspire the industry with ingenuity and confidence. To purchase tickets to the 2023 Ventus Gala, visit ventusgala.com.
Additional Information:
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
###
As a non-profit organization, the Oceantic Network’s driving purpose is to inform, coordinate, and mobilize human ingenuity, enterprise, and labor to take advantage of the urgent need to tap the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 600+ members equip communities and nations to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities.
