SIIA at IPF25: Advancing Offshore Wind and Maritime Opportunities

Written By Nadia Adam

April 28 – May 1, 2025 | Virginia Beach, VA

The Staten Island Industrial Alliance (SIIA) proudly participated in the 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF25), North America’s premier offshore wind conference. Engaging with over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, SIIA gathered critical insights to position Staten Island at the forefront of the offshore wind and maritime sectors.

Key Takeaways and Industry Insights

1. Transmission Infrastructure: A Critical Bottleneck

  • Challenge: Efficiently transmitting offshore wind energy to onshore grids remains a significant hurdle.

  • Solutions Discussed:

    • Development of modular offshore substations to streamline energy collection.

    • Investment in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems for long-distance transmission.

    • Strategic planning for grid interconnection points to minimize environmental and community impacts.

2. Cable-Laying Capacity and Supply Chain Constraints

  • Current Landscape:

    • Global demand for specialized cable-laying vessels exceeds supply, leading to project delays.

    • Manufacturing bottlenecks for subsea cables due to limited production facilities.

  • Opportunities for Staten Island:

    • Potential development of cable storage and pre-installation facilities.

    • Attracting investments for local manufacturing of cable components.

3. Modular Shipbuilding: Enhancing Efficiency and Flexibility

  • Advantages:

    • Reduces construction time and costs by assembling ships from pre-fabricated modules.

    • Allows for parallel construction processes, increasing throughput.

  • Implications for Staten Island:

    • Existing shipyards can be upgraded to accommodate modular construction techniques.

    • Collaboration with educational institutions to train a workforce skilled in modular assembly.

4. Legislative Support: Catalyzing Maritime and Offshore Wind Development

  • SHIPS for America Act:

    • Proposes a 25% investment tax credit for shipyard modernization.

    • Aims to expand the U.S.-flagged fleet by 250 ships over the next decade.

    • Establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund to support infrastructure and workforce development.

  • MARAD Small Shipyard Grant Program:

    • Allocates $8.75 million in FY2025 for capital improvements and workforce training in small shipyards.

    • Encourages efficiency and competitiveness in ship construction and repair.

Environmental Stewardship: Birds and Whales

Birds: Understanding Flight Patterns and Mitigation Strategies

Recent studies have shown that many seabird species naturally fly at altitudes that minimize collision risks with offshore wind turbines. For instance, research indicates that increasing turbine height can reduce the risk of collision for many marine birds . Additionally, advanced monitoring technologies, such as AI and radar systems, are being implemented to track bird movements and inform turbine placement and operation schedules.

Whales: Addressing Concerns with Scientific Evidence

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of offshore wind development on whale populations. However, scientific investigations, including those by NOAA Fisheries, have found no evidence linking offshore wind activities to whale deaths . Factors such as vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements remain the primary threats to whale populations. Moreover, offshore wind developers are adopting measures like seasonal restrictions on construction activities and real-time acoustic monitoring to mitigate potential disturbances to marine mammals.

Session Highlights

Panel: “Advancements in Modular Shipbuilding”

  • Discussion Points:

    • Integration of digital technologies in modular design and construction.

    • Case studies showcasing reduced build times and costs.

Workshop: “Enhancing Transmission Infrastructure for Offshore Wind”

  • Key Insights:

    • Emerging technologies in HVDC systems.

    • Strategies for stakeholder engagement in transmission planning.

Roundtable: “Strengthening the Maritime Supply Chain”

  • Takeaways:

    • Importance of domestic manufacturing for critical components.

    • Collaboration between federal agencies and local entities to address supply chain gaps.

Staten Island’s Strategic Positioning

Staten Island’s unique assets position it as a pivotal player in the offshore wind and maritime sectors:

  • Geographical Advantage: Proximity to key offshore wind lease areas and major ports.

  • Existing Infrastructure: Presence of shipyards and industrial zones suitable for expansion and modernization.

  • Workforce Potential: Access to a skilled labor pool and educational institutions ready to support workforce development initiatives.

Next Steps and Opportunities

For Staten Island Stakeholders:

  • Infrastructure Development: Pursue funding opportunities through the SHIPS for America Act and MARAD grants to modernize facilities.

  • Workforce Training: Collaborate with local educational institutions to develop training programs aligned with industry needs.

  • Public-Private Partnerships: Engage with federal and state agencies to attract investments and support for offshore wind projects.

Gratitude and Continued Engagement

We extend our sincere thanks to all who visited our booth at IPF25. Your interest in Staten Island’s potential in the offshore wind and maritime industries is greatly appreciated. For those seeking our Supplier Directory or wishing to discuss collaboration opportunities, please contact us directly.

By leveraging legislative support, investing in infrastructure, and fostering workforce development, Staten Island is poised to become a central hub in the nation’s offshore wind and maritime sectors.

If you require further details or assistance in exploring these opportunities, feel free to reach out.

Nadia Adam
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Staten Island Joins Regional Conversation on Offshore Wind Supply Chain Readiness