
The Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) 2024 has officially launched at RAI Amsterdam, bringing together leaders and innovators from the offshore energy sector. Attendees from across the globe are engaging in panels, presentations, and networking opportunities aimed at driving the future of sustainable energy and innovation.
Pioneering a Marketplace for Offshore T&I Sustainability
In a standout session, representatives from MeeMaken, Van Oord, and ECHT regie in transitie introduced the Re-Quip Marketplace, a platform designed to revolutionize sustainability in offshore transport and installation (T&I).
Erwin Coolen, Managing Director of ECHT regie in transitie, emphasized the growing importance of repair and refurbishment in building a resilient economy. “Sustainability will play a pivotal role in shaping a robust economic future,” he noted.
Wind Energy: A Beacon for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery
A riveting panel discussed the burgeoning wind energy sector in Ukraine, which aims to operationalize 4 GW of onshore wind projects by 2030. The panel also highlighted Ukraine’s untapped offshore wind potential of approximately 50 GW in the Azov and Black Seas.
These developments present a lucrative opportunity for international investors, particularly Dutch stakeholders, to collaborate and accelerate Ukraine’s green energy transition.
Nature Regeneration in the North Sea
Jeroen Vis, representing the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, unveiled the Nature Regeneration North Sea Program. The initiative seeks to combat ecological degradation and ensure the North Sea’s marine biodiversity thrives despite increasing human activity.
“We can’t take the beauty of the North Sea for granted,” Vis stressed, advocating for innovative approaches beyond traditional conservation.
Damen and Herman Sr. Partner for Methanol-Ready Vessel
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards and tug operator Herman Sr. have joined forces to develop the MPV 4916, a methanol-ready diesel-electric multipurpose vessel.
“This vessel ticks all the boxes,” said John Krielaart, Design & Proposal Engineer at Damen Shipyards. “Its flexibility allows for a single platform to handle diverse operations, making it a game-changer for project-specific tasks.”
Carbon Capture: The Road to Net ZeroCarbon
Capture and Storage (CCS) took center stage in a critical discussion about its role in achieving net-zero emissions. Experts acknowledged CCS’s immense potential but warned of hurdles such as high costs and the need for collaboration.
Alistair Macfarlane from the UK Carbon Transport & Storage Authority highlighted the industry’s necessity to “reverse the damage” caused by past emissions, underscoring CCS as a cornerstone of climate action.
Cybersecurity in Offshore Wind Development
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate provided an update on offshore wind policies, with a focus on cybersecurity integration. Eva de Leede, Head of Unit Offshore Wind, stressed the urgency: “Cybersecurity can’t wait for future tenders; we’re implementing measures now for the 2025 projects.”
Data-Driven Operations for Enhanced Efficiency
Huisman showcased how leveraging data can transform offshore operations. Using predictive analytics, the company can now forecast wear and tear on components like wire ropes, offering clients smarter, more proactive solutions. Dirk-Jan Goudswaard, Manager of Digital Operations, described these innovations as “hidden treasures” that redefine operational predictability.
Rich North Sea Initiative: Biodiversity Through Wind Farms
The Rich North Sea Program, a collaboration between the North Sea Foundation and Natuur & Milieu, demonstrated how offshore wind farms can bolster marine biodiversity. Cod pipes installed by Ørsted were highlighted as a pilot project to enhance habitats for species like lobsters and cod.
“This pilot gives valuable insights into integrating biodiversity within wind farms,” said Karin Bilo of Ørsted.
The Future of Offshore Hydrogen
Panelists explored the integration of electrolyzers into offshore wind turbines to drive down energy costs and ensure supply security. Jacqueline Vaessen from NLHydrogen clarified hydrogen’s role: “It’s not a panacea, but it’s vital for heavy-duty mobility and balancing the grid.”
Floating Wind: Challenges and Opportunities
The session on floating wind energy examined the unique infrastructure needs to be compared to fixed-bottom systems. Panelists, including Tommy Sandtorv of Karmsund Port Authority, emphasized the need for tailored port facilities, noting, “The perfect port for floating wind hasn’t been built yet.”
Source: offshore energy