Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum kicked off with remarks and announcements from industry executives and government officials.
For Immediate Release: February 10, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Leadership, durability, and resilience took center stage today at Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum (IPF), where U.S. and global leaders in large-scale ocean energy projects and next-gen marine technologies gathered in front of a packed ballroom. The Opening Plenary featured keynote remarks from industry executives and government officials, all of whom emphasized the importance of meeting the moment.
“Our annual IPF is a working forum where industry recalibration, collaboration, and leadership will move us from reaction to readiness,” said Oceantic CEO Liz Burdock. “Over the next decade, the United States will need more power—faster—than at any point in modern history, driven by data centers, advanced manufacturing, electrification, and national security priorities. Oceantic’s IPF was built for this moment. We gather in New York City to reimagine, renew, and reignite renewable offshore energy that’s made in America, and to confirm that we are not retreating from this proven technology as a cornerstone of affordable, reliable energy and economic growth to communities across the nation.”
Key insights include:
- Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network, recapped a challenging year, acknowledging the resolve and leadership of the industry in response to unprecedented attacks. She relayed the importance of the moment, reiterating that the decisions ahead will position the industry to deliver when energy demand reaches historic highs, and grid reliability becomes a defining national challenge.
- Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, reaffirmed that under Governor Hochul, New York’s strong and sustained environmental commitment is more important now than ever before. New York and other states advancing offshore wind and renewable projects are serving as beacons, maintaining momentum, and providing a guiding light in this time of darkness, remaining hopeful about the future because of a shared commitment to protecting the environment and their commitment to advancing renewable energy.
- Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), reaffirmed the durability of New York’s commitment to offshore wind projects and the industry by highlighting the progress in New York State. In addition to announcing the launch of a NYSERDA Request for Information to gain industry feedback on potential initiatives to further offshore wind project readiness, Harris spoke about New York’s first offshore wind project, the 132-megawatt South Fork Wind, which is fully operational and a reliable, year-round generator delivering for New Yorkers. Two other in-construction offshore wind projects, Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind, with a combined capacity of 1,734 megawatts, are expected to serve roughly 10 percent of New York City and Long Island’s electricity demand once completed.
At a pivotal moment for U.S. offshore wind, plenary panelists agreed that the industry has outgrown its “copy and paste” phase. While models borrowed from Europe helped launch the market, they’re no longer sufficient for America’s unique regulatory, geographic, and political realities.
- NYSERDA’s Georges Sassine, Senior Vice President of Large-Scale Resources, emphasized the need to evolve beyond early playbooks by tailoring approaches to U.S. constraints—particularly the dual federal/state oversight that Europe doesn’t face. He highlighted New York’s move toward more pragmatic development, including multiuse ports and a new process examining how to redesign market structures for long-term durability.
- Will Hazelip, president of National Grid Ventures, underscored the importance of clear and consistent market signals. State leadership has been strong, he noted, but true durability requires federal alignment—particularly around transmission and offtake—to treat offshore wind as critical energy infrastructure, not just generation.
- Billy Haugland, CEO and President of Haugland Group, stressed that execution hinges on strong labor partnerships and realistic expectations. The pandemic reshaped pricing assumptions and revealed the need for better transmission planning and supply chain coordination. However, he pointed to New York’s port investments as proof that strategic public action can unlock resilient, multipurpose infrastructure.
Immediately following the plenary, Haugland Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rhode Island-based Waterson Terminal Services to collaborate on port development projects throughout New York State. The partnership will concentrate on advancing opportunities in port design and construction, business development, operations, and logistics, spanning energy, project cargoes, and marine construction applications.
Finally, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) shared video remarks with the IPF audience, emphasizing the jobs, investments, and opportunity offshore wind is delivering throughout New York’s ports, shipyards, and manufacturing sectors, strengthening local economies and meeting demand with affordable, reliable energy.
Nearly 900 professionals from around the globe have gathered for 2026 IPF, joining more than 100 expert speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of networking events. IPF brings 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.
Additional Information
- 2026 IPF Agenda
- Plenary photos (credit Oceantic Network)
- 2026 IPF Press Kit
Attending journalists will have unique access to influential voices right in the heart of New York City. Members of the press can request a complementary pass to IPF.
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.
