From 2 to 5 May 2022, the world’s largest offshore conference brings together professionals from more than 130 countries. Offshore industry leaders, investors, buyers and entrepreneurs meet in Texas, the world center of the energy industry. The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is attended by 4600 companies related to energy, both traditional and renewable.
“The Pomeranian Voivodeship has excellent conditions conducive to the development of the RES industry. In the region, we have competence, experience and staff for the development of this area of the economy, and especially offshore wind energy. The trip to Houston for the conference is part of the regional government’s strategy to exploit this potential – and thus to build energy independence in our part of Europe. Currently, in the dramatic situation in Ukraine, energy independence is of strategic importance not only for our country” – says Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
Pomeranian offshore marks its presence
The economic mission to the OTC is organised by the Pomeranian Development Agency and the Gdansk Economic Development Agency. The delegation has several main goals – to attract investors from the industry, establish contacts, gain knowledge and benefit from global experience. The Pomeranian region is represented by the Marshal of the Pomeranian region Mieczysław Struk, President Lech Wałęsa Pomeranian entrepreneurs from 14 industry companies, the Gdansk Economic Development Agency and the Pomeranian Regional Development Agency from Słupsk.
President Lech Wałęsa was asked to support the promotion of the offer of the region and Poland, as a figure associated with the history of the country and a Nobel laureate, he enjoys great recognition and popularity on the international arena. His presence always attracts the attention of the participants of such events. He was awarded with the title of guest of honor of the conference by the organisers of the OTC. Lech Wałęsa opened the Pomeranian stand and summarised the course of Pomerania’s economic development over the past 40 years. Marshal Struk also met with key figures and representatives of the institutions responsible for the development of the offshore sector and wider economic development in this part of the world. Among other things, it was a meeting with representatives of the city of Houston and representatives of the Mayor’s Office for Trade and International Affairs. Our region was also the main partner of a meeting organised by the International Association of maritime industry experts and companies from around the world SNAME – Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, whose primary goal is to enable the global exchange of knowledge and ideas about the maritime industry. During an interview for Bloomberg, Mieczysław Struk presented the economic potential of our region and extensively discussed the challenges related to Poland’s energy independence from Russian gas and oil.
The stand of the Pomeranian Voivodeship features local companies that have been implementing projects for global suppliers of the offshore industry for years – projects, construction, and service. Among them are manufacturers of ships and steel structures such as Amstall and Vistal. Among the manufacturers of components for the shipbuilding and offshore industries are e.g. Bota Technik, Euro Eeld, SeaTech. The potential of design offices are presented by Nava and StoGda. Examples of opportunities to provide specialist services to the sector are shown by companies such as MEVO, offering services in the field of environmental, geophysical and geotechnical research, which successfully operates in the European offshore market. The presentation of the wide potential of competences and services is an important incentive for investors from the industry to take an interest in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
Huston answers the problem
The past few months of the conflict in Ukraine, changed the view of the offshore sector. The deployment of renewable energy sources has become not only a climate goal but a national security issue. Diversification of energy sources and independence from Russia will also reduce energy prices. The national objective is therefore to fight for the development of investment in this sector.
The OTC events address the challenges facing the global energy market. More than 80 thematic sessions and many discussion panels have gathered experts from all over the world. The subjects under discussion include issues related to innovation in offshore projects, energy and digital transformation and many current multidisciplinary topics. The conference and the accompanying trade fair provide an opportunity to establish contacts with scientists, engineers, managers, business representatives who share their knowledge, opinions and experience in both panel and technical sessions.
Pomorskie has something to build on – we are ready for business
The shipbuilding industry is one of the most dynamically developing sector of the Pomeranian Voivodeship’s economy. The shipyard’s product portfolio includes highly specialised vessels such as cable carts, high-capacity jack-up and LNG-powered vessels, wind towers, Arctic container ships and exclusive yachts. An increasing part of the company’s offer also applies to the offshore sector.
Although the first wind farms will start operating in 2026, the Pomeranian companies are already implementing their specialised solutions. These include single-blade wind turbines, design, meeting and rental of terminals, foundation lighting and connection along with installation, service, installation and maintenance.
Currently, seven offshore projects are being implemented on the Polish coast, which will deliver 6 GW by 2030. The potential for the entire Baltic is estimated at 93 GW by 2050. (balticwind.eu). Pomeranian companies already operate in the offshore wind supply chain. The rapidly developing industry in the Baltic Sea will further increase business opportunities both in terms of locating new projects and establishing cooperation between local and foreign suppliers. We are the fastest growing metropolis on the Baltic Sea. Pomerania is a place that really stands out. The extensive shipbuilding experience combined with excellent port infrastructure and the development of modern industries create optimal conditions for business development. The global offshore wind sector – one of the priority sectors for Pomerania, will grow dynamically in the coming decades, with total investments in offshore wind expected to reach USD 350 billion by 2030, and nearly USD 1.5 trillion by 2050, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Due to the global nature of the Offshore Technology Conference and the wide range of topics addressed here, the presence of the offshore sector stakeholders in Huston is mandatory, especially in the current situation on the energy market.
Read more about the Offshore Technology Conference 2022 here
