Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum kicked off with keynote remarks from industry executives and government officials
For Immediate Release: April 29, 2025
Media Contact: Melinda Skea | [email protected] | 202-709-9793
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA — Major milestones, investments, and cross-border collaboration took center stage today at Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum (IPF), the largest offshore renewable energy conference in the Americas, during the Opening Plenary. The Plenary featured keynote remarks from global industry executives and government officials, all of whom emphasized the need for increased collaboration and action to advance reliable and cost-competitive offshore wind energy in the U.S. while expanding opportunities for global partnerships.
“We gather in Virginia Beach to rethink, redesign, and reignite offshore wind in America,” said Oceantic CEO Liz Burdock. “IPF is a time to celebrate industry accomplishments – of which there have been many in the last year. However, as we grapple with economic uncertainty and political turbulence, we must amplify the fundamental truths of offshore wind and ensure that elected officials and local communities alike understand that offshore wind isn’t optional; it’s necessary to keep America’s power on.”
Key insights include:
- Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network, urged attendees to meet the current moment with urgency and resolve. She acknowledged the political and economic challenges facing the offshore wind sector but emphasized that the industry remains “beyond shovel ready” and is essential to meeting growing electricity demand. Burdock highlighted Virginia’s leadership, praised bipartisan support in the region, and called for a reset that reimagines offshore wind as an indispensable part of America’s energy future.
- Robert M. Dyer, Mayor, Virginia Beach, praised the partnerships that offshore wind energy has brought to the region, highlighting quality jobs, economic benefits, and major investments in and around Virginia Beach because of the industry.
- Bon-Kyu Koo, President & CEO, LS Cable & System Ltd. spoke on what makes Virginia an ideal location for offshore wind manufacturing. His remarks came just a day after the company broke ground on its $700 million subsea cable manufacturing facility in Chesapeake, showcasing a significant, long-term investment that will employ hundreds of workers and deliver components for U.S. and global offshore wind projects.
- Sam Eaton, President and CEO, RWE Offshore US, spoke about the need to achieve clarity and parity so that offshore wind can become a mainstream technology in the U.S. market. By making it easier to develop and operate offshore wind projects, the industry can deliver cost-competitive power and continued economic investment.
- Honorable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, highlighted Nova Scotia’s goal to auction 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with its first call for bids expected later this year. This approach underscores the province’s commitment to regional and cross-border partnerships and offshore wind development that will advance their economic and energy future.
Professionals from around the globe have gathered for 2025 IPF, joining more than 200 expert speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of networking events. This year’s conference is also hosting the first Ocean Renewables Summit on Wednesday, focused on emerging marine energy technologies such as wave, tidal, and floating solar. This follows Monday’s Central Atlantic Supplier Fair, where local businesses connected with Tier 1 suppliers, developers, and OEMs; two tours that showcased an operational offshore wind project and the local offshore wind supply chain, respectively; as well as a U.S. Market Update, which provided critical insights and policy developments to help companies navigate challenges and create opportunities in the year ahead.
Additional Information
Members of the press interested in attending IPF can register online. For more information or to attend the Ventus Gala, 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.
