The Humber’s offshore wind sector will take centre stage next week for Offshore Wind Connections 2021, which has attracted a “stellar cast” including Clark MacFarlane, UK managing director of Siemens Gamesa (pictured).
The conference, of which Siemens Gamesa is the headline sponsor, welcomes five US speakers following the work by Team Humber Marine Alliance to develop relationships with US east coast offshore wind figures.
European speakers will update delegates on developments in Sweden, Finland and Poland.
Closer to home, representatives from the Southern North Sea Energy Alliance will look at the opportunities presented by its UK-Netherlands partnership, while local skills, diversity initiatives and freeports will be addressed.
Perspectives from the two local enterprise partnerships will be given by Stephen Parnaby and Pat Doody, respective chairs of the Hull & East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire LEPs.
The Humber speakers include Neil Etherington of Able UK, Ben George of ORE Catapult, Simon Bird and Andy Reay of Associated British Ports, Emma Toulson and Lauren Little of Orsted and Louise Smith of Aura.
Melanie Onn of RenewableUK will also have a platform.
Team Humber Marine Alliance, the conference organiser, has partnered with Aura to access its new 3D platform where delegates can create an avatar, network and watch industry presentations.
The Aura Innovation Centre (AIC), which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and led by the University of Hull, is opening the doors to its digital twin enabling delegates to experience the building virtually in real time.
Andrew Oliver, chair of Team Humber Marine Alliance, said that the board members had been pleased with the response to the virtual conference. “We have attracted many high-profile speakers who will highlight the broad supply chain opportunities and deliver the latest on developments in this vibrant sector.
“The conference will be an offshore wind industry get together like no other.”
Platinum sponsors are Orsted, Associated British Ports and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
RES Offshore, Carlbom Shipping, Andrew Jackson Solicitors and Mapa PR have taken the gold sponsorship, and Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm and RSM are the silver sponsors.
All have been longstanding supporters of the conference which attracts delegates from the UK, Europe and globally.
Further support for OWC 2021 is being given by the Department for International Trade, RenewableUK, Maritime UK, Grimsby Renewables Partnership, the Workboats Association and the Supply Chain Network.