The Business Network for Offshore Wind's 2021 International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) will hold its final IPF Virtual event on June 17 focused on safety for a growing offshore wind energy workforce - a critical focus as the industry moves forward. The half-day IPF Virtual: Safety First event will include panelists from government agencies and industry who will provide insights, including critical updates from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) that address how to implement regulatory practices and health and safety protocols for workers. 

Maintaining a safe environment for the offshore wind energy workforce is critical as the industry moves forward. Join industry experts from BSEE, Dominion Energy, the Global Wind Organisation, DNV, to learn answers to pressing questions like how to implement new BSEE health and safety guidelines, how workers from other energy industries safely transition into offshore wind, and what the industry can learn from CVOW, the first offshore wind project in U.S. federal waters to reach commercial operation. The event will end with Developer Town Halls featuring RWE and Ørsted sharing project updates and plans for the remainder of 2021 into 2022 (full program below.)

This year, IPF included three virtual sessions, in April, May, and the upcoming June event, and culminates in IPF Together, an in-person event happening August 24-26 in Richmond, Virginia. Registration to the IPF Virtual events is included in IPF Together registration or can be purchased separately. Attendees will also have multiple networking opportunities throughout the virtual event to connect with fellow participants through the Video Chat rooms. Virtual WindMatch appointments are now open for both IPF Virtual and IPF Together attendees. Registrants can set up meetings virtually through August 23 when WindMatch will move to in-person throughout IPF Together. 

IPF Virtual: Safety First 
Presented by the Business Network for Offshore Wind

When:

June 17, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT

Full program available here

Pre-Event Networking 
9:30 a.m. EDT

Welcome & Introduction
9:55 a.m. EDT

Understanding BSEE's Health & Safety Guidelines for Offshore Wind 
10:00 a.m. EDT

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is responsible for providing health and safety regulations for offshore energy industries. Representatives from BSEE will introduce new Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) guidelines for offshore wind farm operations. BSEE's goal is to be transparent and align expectations with industry and stakeholders. This panel will initiate dialogue on the new HSE guidelines and provide participants an opportunity to engage in the regulatory process.

Transition to Offshore Wind: Unique Labor Qualifications and Certifications
10:20 a.m. EDT

The technical skills required to install and maintain offshore wind turbines are unique to the offshore wind energy industry. However, basic skills and marine experience can transfer easily from existing energy industries. Ralph Savage from Global Wind Organization will use the transition of oil and gas workers into offshore wind as a case study to discuss the training and skill requirements specific to offshore wind and provide critical insights on how to seamlessly enter the industry.

Networking Break
10:45 a.m. EDT

Reflections on CVOW: Takeaways from the First Completed OSW Project in Federal Waters
11:00 a.m. EDT

Key participants in the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) pilot project will discuss the regulatory and Certified Verification Agent (CVA) review process for the first offshore wind project in U.S. federal waters to reach commercial operation. During the execution of the project, many elements of the regulatory and CVA process were tested for the first time. Hear multiple perspectives on the project, including insights from the regulator, developer, designer, and CVA. Drawing on post-project workshops, the panel will explore successes, challenges, and opportunities for future projects.

Network Break
11:45 a.m. EDT

Marine Coordination of Offshore construction (EU Best Practice vs. U.S. Specifics)
Noon p.m. EDT

 24/7 on-scene coordination of construction activities is a cornerstone of in-time and in-budget completion of the installation of offshore wind farms. Real-time point-to-multipoint communication, live tracking of vessels, personnel, objects and construction progress, computerized permit to work procedures and efficient shift rotations are key factors for the implementation of a marine coordination. Panelists will focus on two important questions: What do owners and operators need to consider when purchasing hardware, establishing communication procedures, and hiring the right experts? How can a cost-efficient transition from construction to O+M be realized? Don't miss this workshop if you want the answers.

Developer Town hall with RWE
12:30 p.m. EDT

The Network's Developer Town Hall series provides an opportunity for IPF attendees to hear directly from offshore wind developers about the status and progress of U.S. projects.

Developer Town Hall with Ørsted
12:45 p.m. EDT 

The Network's Developer Town Hall series provides an opportunity for IPF attendees to hear directly from offshore wind developers about the status and progress of U.S. projects.

IPF Together Preview
12:45 p.m. EDT 

The Business Network's CEO Liz Burdock will provide a preview of what attendees can anticipate at IPF Together, taking place August 24 - 26 in Richmond, Virginia. 

Post-Event Networking 
1:00 p.m. EDT

Business Network for Offshore Wind | https://www.offshorewindus.org