Outreach, Equity, and Inclusion Fellow

NBOC’s New Business Development Manager, Carlos E. Avila

The NBOC is very pleased to introduce our new Business Development Manager to you this month. Carlos E. Avila, MSFM, joins the team after making a notable impact at both the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Bristol Community College. 

At Mass Maritime, Carlos was the Assistant Director of Admissions with special responsibility for international recruitment initiatives. At Bristol, he collaborated with Offshore Wind industry partners by connecting prospective applicants to training opportunities at the community college as Associate Director of College Access. Later, as Associate Director of Career and Technical Trainings, he was a National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) audit team member assisting in preparation for Global Wind Organisation (GWO) accreditation of the nation’s first, purpose-built Offshore Wind training facility in New Bedford, MA.

“The Board of Directors and I are thrilled to have Carlos join the NBOC as our new Business Development Manager,” comments NBOC Executive Director Jennifer Downing. “Carlos brings to his role experience in offshore wind, as well as other maritime sectors. He is passionate about strengthening the region’s blue economy and committed to diversity and equal opportunity in the process. Carlos has demonstrated in his previous positions at Bristol Community College and Massachusetts Maritime that he is an excellent relationship builder, networker, and driven to get things done and see results. As we continue to build our membership and programs to support greater New Bedford’s maritime businesses, this is exactly what we need. I’m excited to work with him.”  

Meet Carlos E. Avila, Business Development Manager for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, yourself in a Q & A at this link. 

NBOC Exc. Dir. Jennifer Downing at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal as the first turbine arrives.

May 2023 was a huge month for news as New Bedford reached a milestone in the offshore wind energy industry. 

The turbines for the nation’s very first commercial-scale offshore wind farm arrived at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal on Wednesday, May 24. “After days of travel across the Atlantic Ocean, the UHL Felicity arrived from Portugal, met by New Bedford Police boat escorts and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the New Bedford hurricane barrier,” wrote the New Bedford LIght – the first of a series of headlines heralding the moment. 

We’ve rounded up a sampling later in the newsletter, and also included a terrific video depicting the moment the turbines glided through the Hurricane Barrier gates and into New Bedford Harbor proper, as well as a reception ceremony for the massive equipment held the next day. 

Enjoy!

The New Bedford Ocean Cluster

IN THE NEWS

NEW BEDFORD LIGHT: The first wind turbine components arrived in the Port of New Bedford Wednesday afternoon on a nearly 500-foot heavy load carrier, sailing through the hurricane barrier without incident at around 4:50 p.m. and wowing those who watched the massive ship enter the harbor.” FULL STORY

SOUTHCOAST TODAY: Mayor Jon Mitchell said it takes persistence and teamwork to get to this point with the arrival of the first components for Vineyard Wind, and New Bedford is prepared to compete so that in the years ahead people can look back and say they made it happen and we’re all better off for it. FULL STORY.

WPRI NEWS 12: New Bedford once lit the world with whale oil. Now it wants to do the same with wind power. FULL STORY.

WATCH IT HAPPEN: UHL Felicity moves through the New Bedford hurricane barrier – LINK

WATCH IT HAPPEN: Arrival ceremony at New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal: Just the beginning for offshore wind in New Bedford” – LINK

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES of NOTE:

PROPOSALS DUE BY JULY 13: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is soliciting proposals to promote the development and adoption of innovative gear technologies that reduce the risk of lethal or sub-lethal fishing gear entanglement for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) in fixed gear fisheries throughout New England. The Fisheries Innovation Fund (FIF): New England Gear Innovation Fund program is assessing the funding need of the region and will award grants towards that need, providing up to $18 million in grants through this solicitation, pending availability of funding. Find out more here.

Communications Protocol During Offshore Wind Vessel Transits

The New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) has released a Communications Protocol as installation of the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm begins in earnest. Learn all about it at this link. 

DID YOU KNOW….?

You can join the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and connect with innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming the ocean economy! From sustainable fishing to the offshore wind industry, together we’re shaping the future of the blue economy. Inquire through our Members page here.

The New Bedford Ocean Cluster maintains an ongoing social media presence on Facebook and LInkedIn. You can “Like” and “Follow” each page to receive news updates throughout the month between newsletters. #NBOC #newbedfordoceancluster

Thank you to our partners and members!

The New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) has released a Communications Protocol as installation of the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm begins in earnest. The NBPA released the following: 

Vineyard Wind is currently marshaling for the first commercial‐scale offshore wind development at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal (NBMCT). Their installation will commence in earnest over the next few weeks. This will entail the frequent arrival and departure of large heavy‐lift offshore wind (OSW) vessels and barges to deliver and deploy offshore wind tower, nacelle and blade components.

In addition to the size of the vessels, the frequency of these transits – arrivals, departures, and in-port repositioning – will be greater than the Port has seen from large vessels. These transits present the potential for temporary disruptions to other movements in the harbor and are likely to draw interest and curiosity given their scale. 

In order to ensure safe transit of the OSW vessels and most importantly to ensure the safety of all other port users, particularly commercial fishermen and recreational boaters, the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) is taking two primary steps:

Vessel Escorts: The NBPA will continue to provide vessel escorts to assist in the transit of large commercial vessels. Depending on the size, timing, weather conditions or other factors, this may include multiple escorts. The primary purpose of vessel escorts is to regulate/contain vessel traffic on each side of the hurricane barrier and within the harbor as vessels traverse the barrier opening, and to ensure a safe transit to the turning basin in front of Sate Pier and the Terminal channel. When vessels are being escorted, it will require a brief halt to all other traffic through the New Bedford hurricane barrier and surrounding the vessel as it traverses the harbor. Traffic will resume as soon as the New Bedford Harbormaster determines it is safe to do so.

OSW Transits Communications: The NBPA will be communicating information received from Vineyard Wind and its’ contractors to port users regarding the timing of any OSW transits, so that sufficient preparation, planning, or schedule adjustments can be made. Due to a range of operational and weather factors, the actual arrival can deviate by several hours and even days from the targeted arrival time. NBPA will convey the Vineyard Wind‐sourced schedule information to Port Users in the following steps: 

Roughly 48 Hours prior to scheduled arrival time: An SMS text will be sent to port users with a general targeted arrival time (within a 2-hour window) and vessel type. In the event the vessel in question is expected to require a temporary halt to barrier opening transits, the information will include the anticipated timing for the Harbormaster’s start of the pause and the expected resumption barrier transits. 

To subscribe to these SMS text notifications, please Text “OSWVesselActivity” to (855)-641-4459.

For questions: portofnewbedford.org/contact

The NBOC is excited to expand its staff and welcome Carlos E. Avila (pictured above) as the organization’s new Business Development Manager. In his role, Carlos will support the organization’s business engagement goals as they relate to both cluster membership and attracting long-term investment to greater New Bedford’s marine economy across all four of the NBOC’s pillars.

1. Can you tell us about your experience at Bristol Community College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy and how it has prepared you for your new role as the Business Development Manager for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster?

Carlos: My experiences at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Bristol Community College have given me insights into establishing processes and pathways needed to meet the demands of industry in a manner that is easy to follow. This will be of great use to someone looking to seek training as a means of gaining entry into a new career such as Offshore Wind. I believe that our educational experiences should have vocational components in order to bring life to their curriculum by building their professional networks. 

2) What motivated you to join the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, and what do you hope to achieve in this new position?

Carlos: My motivation comes from the belief in the mission and values of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster but also from a desire to help our region receive national and international recognition for the future collaborative works within our blue economy. I truly believe New Bedford is poised to lead Offshore Wind efforts in our region as well as showing how this new industry can collaborate and learn from our established fisheries. 

3) How do you plan to leverage your expertise in maritime education and academia to drive the growth and development of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster?

Carlos:I feel that I have done a good job cultivating a strong professional network with global connections. Many of my former classmates and students are actively engaged in all facets of the maritime industry and will play a key role in reshaping the economic landscape within the New Bedford Ocean Cluster’s four pillars. My work in academia at Bristol has introduced me to the political realm which will be key to help gain support for sustained growth and development. Support from our state and federal delegations will be necessary to direct appropriate resources to increase capacity. 

4) As the Business Development Manager, what strategies do you have in mind to attract new businesses and investment to the New Bedford Ocean Cluster?

Carlos: This is the topic that I find myself thinking about the most and I’ll share some of the strategies that I will use to attract business and investment into New Bedford via the Cluster’s value proposition.

• Market the cluster effectively: targeted industry efforts.
• Build a robust network: review partners and assign pillar(s).
• Provide attractive incentives: work with government partners.
• Support business development services: assist with site selection and planning.
• Engage with the local community: present potential career opportunities and refer to training opportunities in preparation.

5) Are there any specific industries or sectors within the ocean economy that you see as having significant potential for growth in New Bedford? How do you plan to tap into those opportunities?

Carlos: The industry with the potential for the greatest growth in New Bedford will be Offshore Wind due to it being a new industry establishing a greater presence in New Bedford. My work at Bristol Community College allowed me the opportunity to connect with all the developers in Massachusetts and learned what the workforce training needs would be and the evolving nature of the process. The NBOC is primed to provide a full spectrum of support to the OEMs and their various contractors. We will have the ability to provide referrals in New Bedford ranging from business support, site planning, employee support services, educational services and community engagement efforts. 

6) Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for success in the business world. How do you plan to foster collaboration between different stakeholders, such as academia, industry, and government, to drive innovation and economic development in the New Bedford Ocean Cluster?

Carlos: In order to foster collaboration between different stakeholders, such as academia, industry, and government, and drive innovation and economic development in the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, I would propose the following strategies:

• Establish a platform for regular communication.
• Identify common goals and priorities.
• Encourage interdisciplinary projects.
• Promote knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
• Encourage educational and training programs.

7) In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges or obstacles that the New Bedford Ocean Cluster might face, and how do you plan to address them?

Carlos: From the outside, the largest obstacle I foresee is the age of the organization, but the leadership has decades of experience serving New Bedford and the SouthCoast region in various sectors. The best way to address and overcome those obstacles is to build on prior work that has been done and add a new layer to prior existing relationships to grow membership in the New Bedford Ocean Cluster. 

8) The New Bedford Ocean Cluster aims to promote sustainability and responsible use of ocean resources. How do you plan to incorporate these principles into the business development initiatives of the cluster?

Carlos: A key first step would be the establishment of sustainability guidelines. Develop clear and comprehensive sustainability guidelines that outline the principles and practices to be followed by businesses within the cluster. These guidelines should encompass environmental, social, and economic considerations, addressing issues such as resource conservation, waste management, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. The programs often need to be acculturated and presented through the K-12 system to see long-lasting effects. 

9) Networking and relationship-building are vital in business development. How do you plan to engage with local and regional organizations to create mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster?

Carlos: Networking is a passion that I ensure to dedicate time to. I don’t just take the time to learn names, my goal is to develop genuine relationships so that I may better serve and advise my partners to potential opportunities that may benefit their future growth goals, or partners looking to collaborate in new ventures. You can not get that by having surface level relationships, you do have to take the time to have a dedicated presence with substance. I’m thankful that the economy is back to a place where we can connect and network in in-person events where people get to have direct conversations and share ideas. I say all of that to say, I plan to integrate the human element into business to gain buy-in and support for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster’s efforts. 

10) Can you share some of your long-term goals and visions for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster? How do you plan to measure success and make a meaningful impact in the region’s ocean economy?

Carlos: Long-Term goals: to have over 70% participation and membership from area businesses within the NBOC’s four pillars. We will be documenting and connecting with all applicable businesses to share the vision of the NBOC and create value in this shared effort. I feel that we’ll have sufficient data by the end of Q2 in 2024 to gauge progress. This is a young organization with a committed team that will finally have the opportunity to conduct outreach and support its partners like never before. 

We will know if we’ve made a meaningful impact when New Bedford is seen as the destination for businesses looking to grow in the blue economy and our residents finally get the “win” that they’ve been promised over the years. We are in a good position where our community members are still optimistic and willing to do what it takes to prepare themselves and its my hope that the NBOC can lead the conversations connecting community leaders with industry partners.

It’s been quite a thrilling few weeks as the New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) made a splash on the world stage by first traveling to Europe and then finalizing plans for a very special visit to New Bedford by a legend in the global ocean cluster community. 

Let’s start in Denmark…

The #NBOC and six local companies participated in a field trip to Denmark April 23-28 to take a deep dive into the Danish energy value chain, covering wind energy production, innovation, and infrastructure. Over the course of the week, the U.S. delegation (which represented 42 companies working in wind) visited Bladt Industries and Liftra in Aalborg; DTU Wind Energy research institute in Thy; and the Port of Esbjerg, which included stops at Blue Water Shipping and Semco. The week ended with two days at the WindEurope Conference in Copenhagen. The NBOC also had the opportunity to catch up with its partners at NOF and Energy Cluster Denmark, as well as connect with DWP System Supplier and learn about their impressive network of suppliers.

Members of the New Bedford delegation at the WindEurope conference in Copenhagen.

The member companies that joined the NBOC on the trip were Coast Line Transfers LLC, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, Shoreline Offshore, Imtra, Brownell Boat Stands, and Windward Power Systems. 

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to represent New Bedford at WindEurope 2023,” says Jennifer Downing, Executive Director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster. “The conference was a great opportunity to experience one of the most successful offshore wind industries in the world up close, and to connect New Bedford – the site of America’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm – to  other leaders in the field.”

WindEurope is a leading trade association in the European wind energy industry. The WindEurope Conference is a major event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the wind energy sector. The conference provides a platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and exploring business opportunities in the industry.

“I think the trip was a big success,” reflects Downing, “as our companies from New Bedford gained valuable insights into the latest trends in the wind energy industry and had the opportunity to participate in a series of one-on-one business meetings with Danish companies to showcase their products, services, and explore partnership opportunities.”

Leaving jet lag behind, as soon as Downing arrived back in the United States, she dove into finalizing plans for a  visit to New Bedford by Thor Sigfusson, Founder of the Iceland Ocean Cluster on May 17. During his visit to New Bedford, Sigfusson will share his insights on the IOC’s successful 100% Fish Project with the NBOC’s newly established Fisheries Advisory Committee. 

The Iceland Ocean Cluster, which the NBOC in part is modeled after, is a business network that brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, and other stakeholders in the Icelandic marine industry. The cluster fosters collaboration and innovation with a focus on sustainability and responsible resource management. The Iceland Ocean Cluster is a leader in the field of ocean innovation, and its members have developed numerous groundbreaking products and technologies for the marine industry.

Sigfusson has received numerous awards for his contributions to the marine industry, including the Iceland Innovation Prize and the Nordic Council Nature and Environment Prize. He is a sought-after speaker and has given talks at conferences and events around the world on the topics of innovation, sustainability, and responsible resource management in the marine industry.

“The NBOC signed a partnership agreement with the IOC back in 2017 to be a part of the global ocean cluster network. Networks and ideas exchange can be incredibly valuable,” explains Downing. “Having Thor visit New Bedford and meet with local fisheries is all about sharing ideas and successful models that might be able to take shape in the Port and contribute to the advancement of our commercial fishing industry. We don’t have to recreate the wheel and we have good partners like the IOC who want to show us the way.”

• The NBOC team

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES of NOTE:

THURSDAY, MAY 18 – SOLD OUT! Offshore Wind Drinks Live is coming to New Bedford! Join the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and our fabulous group of co-hosts for a fun evening of networking, light hors d’oeuvres, and spirits with local offshore wind industry professionals at Cisco Brewers. Contact Jennifer Downing directly to join the wait list. 

Thank you to our co-hosts: Coast Line Transfers LLC, Crowley, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, Marine Safety Consultants, Inc., Norton Lilly International, Shoreline Offshore, TerraSond Limited, and Vineyard Wind.

PROPOSALS DUE BY JULY 13: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is soliciting proposals to promote the development and adoption of innovative gear technologies that reduce the risk of lethal or sub-lethal fishing gear entanglement for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) in fixed gear fisheries throughout New England. The Fisheries Innovation Fund (FIF): New England Gear Innovation Fund program is assessing the funding need of the region and will award grants towards that need, providing up to $18 million in grants through this solicitation, pending availability of funding. Find out more here.

RECENT NEWS of #NBOC Interest

In Thy, Denmark, members of the U.S. delegation visit DTU Wind Energy testing center.

DOUBLING DOWN ON OFFSHORE WIND: Healey-Driscoll Administration Files Historic Draft RFP for Massachusetts’ Fourth Offshore Wind Solicitation: The RFP represents the largest ever solicitation in New England at 3,600 MW, more than 25% of the state’s annual electricity demand. Read the Mass.gov news release here. 

PERSPECTIVE: MA Gov. Maura Healey wants to double the amount of wind power in the Massachusetts pipeline – officials released a draft proposal asking offshore wind developers for their plans to produce another 3,600 megawatts of offshore wind power. If approved, it would be the biggest-ever solicitation of wind energy in New England history. Read more here.

BUILDING OFFSHORE WIND: “That first barge with blades stacked on it, it will be kind of a ‘holy cow’ moment.” — New Bedford Port Authority Director Gordon Carr in this story from the New Bedford Light. 

FISHING AND OFFSHORE WIND WORKING TOGETHER: “Local fishermen bring tremendous value to our operations. Their unique local knowledge and network is a huge part of the successful construction of Vineyard Wind,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller.  “This emphasizes that the development of offshore wind would bring opportunities for our industries to work together, and we hope that the precedents we’ve set will become the norm for each and every project.” Via Vineyard Wind; full release here. 

SUPPORTING OFFSHORE WIND EMPLOYERS: The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board (GNBWB) has supported employers by conducting regional welding training and partnering with local area maritime companies that supply services within the offshore wind industry. Read more in this blog post.

OCEAN ENERGY INNOVATION: This project, funded with $300,000 from the Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council, is designed to help alternative power developers to learn more about how their systems work in an open ocean environment near shore. Find out more here.

SEAFOOD STRATEGY: Our partners at the New Bedford Port Authority, representing the most profitable fishing port in the country, reviewed and submitted comments pertaining to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries draft National Seafood Strategy as a way to highlight the role and importance the Port of New Bedford plays to the entire seafood industry. Details at this link.

DID YOU KNOW….?

You can join the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and connect with innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming the ocean economy! From sustainable fishing to the offshore wind industry, together we’re shaping the future of the blue economy. Inquire through our Members page here.

The New Bedford Ocean Cluster maintains an ongoing social media presence on Facebook and LInkedIn. You can “Like” and “Follow” each page to receive news updates throughout the month between newsletters. #NBOC #newbedfordoceancluster

Thank you to our partners and members!