New Bedford Offshore Wind Conference 2023

New Bedford Offshore Wind Conference 2023

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Blog, Events, News

New Bedford Offshore Wind Conference 2023

An Industry Event Hosted by the New Bedford Ocean Cluster
and Sponsored by Vineyard Wind

Thursday, Oct. 5th, 2023 - Friday, Oct. 6th, 2023

Register Now

The City of New Bedford has for generations been tied to the sea. The Port of New Bedford is home to America’s highest grossing commercial fishing industry. Today, it is also home to America’s first, commercial-scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind 1. 

Join us for an immersive, two-day offshore wind industry event that offers both in-person and virtual program options. The event will offer participants insight into industry trends, opportunities, and challenges, and demonstrate how New Bedford is positioning itself to become a leading hub for offshore wind and model cluster of diverse marine industry businesses and assets. 

The event will include keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive program tracks (Workforce Development & Training, Supply Chain, and Innovation & Technology) and ample networking opportunities with industry professionals, local businesses, and key stakeholders at the center of advancing offshore wind in New Bedford and the Commonwealth. 

Cost:

  • $250 – Full, Two-Day Program & Tours, October 5th – 6th (Port of New Bedford and VW1 Site Visit) SOLD OUT
  • $199 – Single-Day Program & Tour, October 5th (Port of New Bedford only) SOLD OUT
  • $150 – Hybrid (Virtual & In Person) Program & VW1 Site Visit, October 5th-6th Registration Closes Tuesday, Oct. 3!

*Our hybrid program offers access to recorded sessions of morning keynotes and panel discussions, and live-streamed program tracks (Workforce Development & Training, Supply Chain, and Innovation & Technology) on October 5th. On October 6th, join us for an in-person tour of the Vineyard Wind 1 (VW1) project site, complete with speakers on the boat and networking opportunities during breakfast and lunch. Don’t miss this unique blend of learning and exploration!

Register Now
Preliminary Agenda:
Thursday, October 5th

Networking Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:50 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery, Sponsored by DEME Group

Opening Remarks & Keynote Presentations: 9:05-10:20 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater
Welcome: Jennifer Downing, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Keynote Presentations: John Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford; Jan Kjaersgaard, GE Renewables; Klaus Moeller, Vineyard Wind

Break: 10:20-10:35 a.m.

Panel Discussion on Fishing & Offshore Wind Coexistence Challenges & Opportunities: 10:35-11:35 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater
Panelists: Eric Reid, New Bedford Ocean Cluster & New England Fishery Management Council; Crista Bank, Vineyard Wind; Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority; Capt. Jarrett Drake, New Bedford Lobsterman

Lunch: 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery

Break: 12:30-1:00 p.m. (Board buses and travel to program tracks)

Program Tracks: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Workforce Development & Training, “Developing a Diverse & Equitable Offshore Wind Workforce of the Future” at Bristol Community College’s National Offshore Wind Institute

Track includes a facility tour, fireside chat with NOWI leadership, and a panel discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Jennifer Menard, Bristol Community College; Dr. Alan Lowden; Dr. Cynthia Brown, IWNL Energy; Carlos Avila, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Jennifer Cullen, Vineyard Wind; Jennifer Daloisio, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Callum Dewar, Maersk Training

Supply Chain, “Building the Offshore Wind Supply Chain in Massachusetts: Reflecting on Progress and Preparing for the future” at Shoreline Marine Terminal North, Pope’s Island, Sponsored by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Track includes a facility tour, panel discussion, and engaging roundtable discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Bruce Carlisle, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Dan Kent, Vineyard Wind; Michael Quinn, Quinn Fisheries & Shoreline Offshore; Vicki Chapman, Chapman Construction Group; Philip Hamels, Jan De Nul; Joel Whitman, Foss Offshore Wind; Matt Cadwallader, TerraSond

Innovation & Technology, “Fisheries & Offshore Wind: Advancing Science and Opportunities for Innovation” at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology

Track includes a facility tour, presentations, and panel discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Kevin Stokesbury, UMass Dartmouth; Pingguo He; Steven Cadrin, UMass Dartmouth; Travis Lowery, Vineyard Wind; Tim Barrett, Owner/Operator of F/V Odessa and President of Northeast Fishing Sector 10

Port Asset Tour #1: 3:30-4:15 p.m. and Port Asset Tour #2: 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Cuttyhunk Ferry, 66B State Pier, New Bedford(rotating tours)
Speakers: Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority; Andrew Saunders, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal; Tim Griffin, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Free time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. We encourage you to explore historic, downtown New Bedford during your free time. We recommend a visit to one of the following locations, which are in walking distance to the waterfront.

Cocktail Reception: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Black Whale

    After-Hours: 8:00 p.m. Not ready to call it a night? These great spots are in walking distance to The Black Whale: 

    Friday, October 6th

    The Vineyard Wind 1 Site Tour has been canceled. Alternative programming will be offered at the Whaling Museum 9am-1pm.

    Additional Event Info:

    Transportation

      ACP Offshore WINDPOWER Attendees:

      October 4th – Bus transportation from Boston to New Bedford will be provided. Two buses will leave the Hynes Convention Center at 6:00 p.m. at the Boylston Street Entrance for New Bedford. Please plan to store your luggage in room 305 at the Convention Center and pick up before heading to the buses. The bus will drop off passengers at their hotels in the New Bedford area: Residence Inn (Dartmouth), Fairfield Inn & Suites (New Bedford), and New Bedford Harbor Hotel (New Bedford).

      October 5th – One bus will depart the Sheraton Boston at 6:00 a.m. for New Bedford. Please plan to meet at the front lobby of the hotel with your luggage. The bus will drop at New Bedford area hotels so that you can store your luggage before making your way over to the Whaling Museum for the conference. Transportation will be provided during the event on October 5th from the Whaling Museum to program track locations, and from program track locations to the dock for Port Tours. However, attendees must arrange for their own transportation to the Whaling Museum from their respective hotels and back to their hotels after the cocktail reception at The Black Whale. Note – The Fairfield Inn and New Bedford Harbor Hotels are in walking distance to the Whaling Museum and The Black Whale.

      October 6th – Attendees must arrange for their own transportation to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal (49 State Pier, New Bedford) on the morning of Oct. 6th. Note – The Fairfield Inn and New Bedford Harbor Hotels are in walking distance to the Ferry. The vessel will begin boarding at 7:00 a.m. and conclude at 7:45 a.m. sharp. Luggage will not be allowed on board of the vessel. Please plan to check your bag at your hotel’s concierge before heading down to the dock for the trip. When the tour concludes, one bus will begin picking up passengers at New Bedford area hotels at 3:00 p.m. to head to Logan International Airport. Please note that the bus schedule is based on survey responses received via an ACP-circulated survey. If you have any questions or concerns, please contactconference@cleanpower.org.

      Hybrid Attendees:

      October 6th – Attendees must arrange for their own transportation to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal (49 State Pier, New Bedford) on the morning of Oct. 6th. Note – The Fairfield Inn and New Bedford Harbor Hotels are in walking distance to the Ferry. The vessel will begin boarding at 7:00 a.m. and conclude at 7:45 a.m. sharp. Luggage will not be allowed on board of the vessel. Please plan to check your bag at your hotel’s concierge before heading down to the dock for the trip. Driving to the Ferry? Please plan to park your car at either the Whales Tooth Parking Lot (provides a shuttle from car to ferry) or the Elm Street Garage. If you are an ACP attendee traveling to Boston after the tour, please note that one bus will begin picking up passengers at New Bedford area hotels at 3:00 p.m. to head to Logan International Airport. Please note that the bus schedule is based on survey responses received via an ACP-circulated survey. If you have any questions or concerns, please contactconference@cleanpower.org.

      All Other Attendees:

      October 5th – Transportation will be provided during the event on October 5th from the Whaling Museum to program track locations, and from program track locations to the dock for Port Tours. Attendees must arrange for their own transportation to the Whaling Museum from their respective hotels and back to their hotels after the cocktail reception at The Black Whale. Note – The Fairfield Inn and New Bedford Harbor Hotels are in walking distance to the Whaling Museum and The Black Whale.

      October 6th – Attendees must arrange for their own transportation to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal (49 State Pier, New Bedford) on the morning of Oct. 6th. Note – The Fairfield Inn and New Bedford Harbor Hotels are in walking distance to the Ferry. The vessel will begin boarding at 7:00 a.m. and conclude at 7:45 a.m. sharp. Luggage will not be allowed on board of the vessel. Please plan to check your bag at your hotel’s concierge before heading down to the dock for the trip. Attendees must arrange for their own transportation back to their respective hotels at the end of the event. Driving to the Ferry? Please plan to park your car at either the Whales Tooth Parking Lot(provides a shuttle from car to ferry) or the Elm Street Garage.

      Food

        Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the program on Oct. 5th. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the evening cocktail reception. A bagged breakfast and lunch will be provided on Oct. 6th. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase at the vessel café.

        Hotels

          We recommend the following area hotels:

          Fairfield Inn & Suites New Bedford>

          Residence Inn, New Bedford Dartmouth>

          Hampton Inn, New Bedford – Fairhaven>

          Sponsored By:

          New Bedford Ocean Cluster September 2022 Newsletter

          New Bedford Ocean Cluster September 2022 Newsletter

          by | Sep 22, 2022 | News

          Welcome to the first New Bedford Ocean Cluster monthly newsletter!

          Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Jennifer Downing, and this year the Board of Directors invited me to become the first Executive Director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster. It is an honor and privilege to guide this organization and help advance greater New Bedford’s ocean economy. 

          As part of our mission to bring together all the maritime interests in and around the Port of New Bedford, and throughout the Massachusetts region, the New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) will be sharing news of interest, happenings of note, and member information each month going forward. 

          If you’re new to the Ocean Cluster concept, here’s a quick refresher:

          The New Bedford Ocean Cluster is a nonprofit organization formed to align the maritime interests of the city and region under one umbrella organization. The four pillars of the NBOC are Commercial Fishing and Seafood Processing; Aquaculture; Offshore Renewable Energy; and Innovation and Technology

          In addition to the four pillars of the NBOC, I’d like to acknowledge a fifth: People. As in you – NBOC partners, supporters and followers. 

          This unique ecosystem of marine businesses and workforce distinguishes our region and is the foundation of its economy and culture. It includes our economic development agencies working to advance policies and programs to strengthen our blue economy, and the entrepreneurs and academic institutions pushing the boundaries of marine innovation into the future. 

          The NBOC is something we are all very much building together. Our foundation is the historic Port of New Bedford. At this place, we are building on centuries of maritime trade and industry in an entirely new way, but based upon lasting values of collaboration and cooperation.

          The NBOC is patterned after successful ocean clusters around the world. It directly traces its lineage to the game-changing Iceland Ocean Cluster, which pioneered the model.

          In fact, several years ago the NBOC and Iceland Ocean Cluster established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote network building and collaboration among maritime businesses and entrepreneurs,

          In  June, the NBOC signed a second MOU with the Belgium Blue Cluster signaling our intention to collaborate and share best practices. 

          These important partnerships serve to increase New Bedford’s  competitiveness and global reach. 

          Working together into the future, whether around the corner or around the globe, the NBOC seeks to pursue the strategies that will ensure the Port of New Bedford remains the highest value fishery in the nation. It’s managed that astounding achievement for 21 consecutive years – and that fact both informs and defines our work. 

          The NBOC is also dedicated to seizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity the birth of the offshore wind industry represents for New Bedford, Massachusetts and the nation. Already, the country’s first commercial-scale wind farm is being built utilizing the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, soon to be joined by New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal. We aspire to make the NBOC a powerful tool to attract ever-increasing investment in offshore wind, creating jobs and opportunities in this community for decades to come. 

          Aquaculture is a burgeoning field of marine harvesting that has yet to find strong purchase in our waters, but holds immense promise that needs to be explored. And, as we all know, technological innovation has transformed our lives and economy in fundamental ways. Embracing blue technology isn’t an option – it’s critical to riding the waves of tomorrow. 

          Today, I’m thrilled to invite you to the very first annual meeting of the NBOC. It will take place on Wednesday, October 12 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.  It’s an occasion to bring us all together and chart a course for the NBOC we are building. Bring your questions, ideas, and passion for this unique idea we are turning into reality at the fabled Port of New Bedford.

          Until we meet, below you’ll find recent news of interest, curated events, and other information of importance to our shared New Bedford Ocean Cluster. 

          Jennifer Downing, NBOC Executive Director

          DID YOU KNOW….?

          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

          ACT LOCAL

          The New Bedford Ocean Cluster, in partnership with Vineyard Wind, has launched Act Local. It’s a program designed to maximize the positive economic impacts of the Vineyard Wind 1 project in the greater New Bedford region by encouraging local business participation in the offshore wind industry. The program is part of Vineyard Wind’s commitment to Look Local First in support of its Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm. Learn more at this link on the NBOC website.

          RECENT NEWS of #NBOC Interest

          FEATURE STORY: Southcoast Today/The New Bedford Standard-Times has written a comprehensive look at the work of the NBOC. “Everything we’re doing is with the goal of creating local wealth, new jobs, and a talented and active marine workforce,” – says Jennifer Downing, NBOC Executive Director in the article.  “(The) NBOC is working to understand where supply chain gaps exist in New Bedford and across the U.S.” Read the entire feature at this link.

          A NEW DIRECTOR at the NEW BEDFORD PORT AUTHORITY: Gordon Carr, former Deputy Director of Real Estate Strategy and Policy at the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), has been chosen as the next Executive Director of the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA). Carr was selected by the Port Authority Commission from among 39 applicants. Carr is expected to take over in late September. Read the City of New Bedford announcement here. 

          BLUE ECONOMY RESEARCH: UMass Dartmouth recently opened its newest state-of-the-art research, learning and product development laboratory in the School for Marine Science & Technology in New Bedford. The Biodegradability Laboratory supports the development of biodegradable and ocean-safe plastics and other materials by accelerating their path to market with a focus on increasing sustainability. Find out more about it here. 

          NEW FUNDING FOR WATERFRONT RAIL: New Bedford’s Ice Cube Maritime cold storage facility helps to process and store seafood products.”This is a site where because they have rail access they will be able to move their product far more quickly, far more efficiently, far more cost effectively and in the meantime, take trucks off the road,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. WJAR News 10 report here. 

          NOW ONLINE: The Doers Lab is a new initiative at The Communal Space in the City of New Bedford that seeks to connect youth to opportunities for equitable employment in the offshore wind industry in the city and region. Learn all about them and what they do at this link: The Doers Lab. 

          SAFETY FIRST: At a 131-year-old maritime academy along Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, people who will build the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm are learning the skills to stay safe while working around turbines at sea. Boston 25 News has the story here. 

          THE PRINCE OF TIDES: A New Bedford-based company is seeking to harness tidal energy. Its founder and director John Miller is an engineer who’s been studying ocean energy “longer than anyone,” noted John Bullard, president of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster Board of Directors. Full story here.

          EVENTS OF NOTE:

          Sun. Oct. 2 // BUZZARDS BAY WATERSHED RIDE – Need some time off? Enjoy the scenic landscapes of Southeastern Massachusetts in and around New Bedford while supporting the protection of watershed lands and clean water on the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. Choose your own adventure from the 100-mile, 75-mile, or 35-mile overlapping cycling routes that ride past coastal farmlands, windswept beaches, cranberry bogs, and scenic harbors between Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Register and choose your ride here. 

          Wed. Oct. 12 // JOIN THE NEW BEDFORD OCEAN CLUSTER for its first Annual Meeting at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA. The program will include an update on our progress, the election of Officers and Directors, a keynote speaker, and reception with light hors d’oeuvres and spirits. RSVP to this free event by October 6 via THIS LINK. 

          Questions? Email Jennifer Downing, NBOC Executive Director (jennifer.downing@nboceancluster.org)

          Thurs. Oct 6 // The Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) public comment meeting – As part of its effort to seek out public comment regarding the proposed Revolution Wind project, BOEM will hold a meeting beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Boulevard, in New Bedford, MA. The input received via this process will inform preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). More information can be found here. 

          Thurs. Oct. 13 // THE NEW BEDFORD PORT AUTHORITY monthly meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. The NBPA office is located at 123 MacArthur. Drive, New Bedford. 

          Tues. Oct. 18 & Wed. Oct. 19 // The American Clean Power Association (ACP) WINDPOWER 2022 Conference & Exhibition takes place in Providence, RI at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Find out more at this link, including exhibit, sponsor and agenda information. 

          Wed. Oct. 19 //  The New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) will hold its 2022 Annual Meeting from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Harbor View Gallery at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Light refreshments and networking are on the agenda, along with a look at NBEDC initiatives and a keynote address by Frank Barrows, Senior Advisor for Commemorations  and Anniversaries, National Park Service. RSVP at this link, and follow NBEDC on Facebook for updates.

          Belgian Economic Mission Visits New Bedford and Celebrates Leadership in Offshore Wind

          Belgian Economic Mission Visits New Bedford and Celebrates Leadership in Offshore Wind

          by | Jun 13, 2022 | News

          Belgian Economic Mission Visits New Bedford and Celebrates Leadership in Offshore Wind

          New Bedford, Massachusetts – A delegation of Belgian companies visited New Bedford on June 10, 2022 to explore opportunities for partnership and investment in the region’s growing offshore wind market. The delegation is the third foreign trade mission to visit New Bedford this year with an interest in forging relationships with local stakeholders and learning about the City’s marketplace assets and advantages in offshore wind.

          The delegation’s visit was hosted by the New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) and part of a larger Belgian Economic Mission to the U.S., organized by Flanders Investment & Trade and the Consulate General of Belgium.

          “We have fostered ties with European industry leaders for nearly a decade, and those connections now are coming to fruition,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “We look forward to deepening partnerships with seasoned offshore wind companies from mature industries across northern Europe, who recognize the opportunity to grow their businesses in the Port of New Bedford.”

          The NBOC’s mission is to leverage New Bedford’s coastal position, marine knowledge base, and landside capacity to drive employment and wealth creation for New Bedford residents. Working collaboratively with a range of private sector, public sector, and academic partners, the NBOC will work to establish New Bedford as the leading ocean economy on the East Coast through a strategic focus on four interrelated industry pillars: aquaculture, commercial fishing and processing, offshore renewable energy, and innovation & technology.

          “We are excited to welcome the Belgian delegation to New Bedford to experience all that the city has to offer the burgeoning offshore wind industry,” said Jennifer Downing, Executive Director of the NBOC. “New Bedford has been at the forefront of developing offshore wind in the U.S., much like Belgium has been in Europe, for over a decade. Our regions can both experience economic benefit from each other’s leadership in this industry.”

          “The port of New Bedford is destined to become one of the main gateways in the development of offshore wind projects in the Northeast. The newly formed New Bedford Ocean Cluster brings together key stakeholders and is at the heart of the local ecosystem. It was important for us to bring our Belgian companies to New Bedford, to plug into that ecosystem, and to prepare them for the opportunities,” said Ralph Moreau, Science & Technology Counselor for the Americas at Flanders Investment & Trade.

          Delegates spent the afternoon at the Whaling Museum networking and hearing presentations by Mayor Jon Mitchell, Jennifer Downing, NBOC Executive Director; and Bill White, Avangrid Renewables’ President and CEO, Offshore. A panel discussion with representatives from Context Labs and Spherical Analytics, MassCEC, Bristol Community College, and the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board explored state and local issues and opportunities related to offshore wind workforce development and training.

          “As part of the IBERDROLA group, AVANGRID is leading the way in the U.S. market by leveraging our global experience, expertise, and supply chain network to drive new investment and job creation in communities like New Bedford,” said Bill White, Avangrid Renewables’ President & CEO, Offshore. “By working with the City of New Bedford, the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, and our partners from Belgium and Flanders, we’re building a new platform for economic growth in Massachusetts’ South Coast region while advancing our nation-leading portfolio of offshore wind projects.”

          MOU Signals Future Collaboration

          On the evening of June 9th, the NBOC and local partners including the New Bedford Economic Development Council, Bristol Community College, UMass Dartmouth, and others, joined the Belgian Economic Trade Mission at the Greentown Labs in Somerville to celebrate leadership in offshore wind development in Massachusetts. The event brought together state and local government, developers, supply chain leaders, and key organizations advancing the industry across the state.

          In front of Gov. Charlie Baker, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, and Flanders Minister-President Jan Jambon, the NBOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Belgium Blue Cluster to formally express both parties’ intent to explore collaboration, and foster innovation and international trade.

          The Belgian Blue Cluster is a non-profit organization created in 2017 by private companies with the aim of developing and valorising innovative and sustainable economic activities related to seas and oceans. The Blue Cluster has 192 industrial members and 17 publicly funded partners. Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade represented The Blue Cluster at Thursday’s event on behalf of its CEO, Marc Nuytemans.

          Nuytemans said the Blue Cluster is excited to be linked to the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, adding: “The experience of our Belgian pioneers combined with the potential of NBOC will create powerful and elegant opportunities in the Blue Economy both in Belgium and in the USA.”

          “The NBOC is thrilled to work more closely with the Blue Cluster of Belgium to explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen ocean innovation and economic growth in our respective regions. By sharing expertise, innovating together, and joining forces to create scale, our regions can increase their competitiveness and at the same time contribute to the major energy transition the world is facing.” Downing said.

          Thursday’s program also included a keynote speech by Klaus Moeller, CEO of Vineyard Wind. Vineyard Wind is developing the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind 1, just 30 miles off the coast of New Bedford. Vineyard Wind has established operations in New Bedford and will be using the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal as the primary staging and deployment base for construction and installation of the 800-MW project.

          Bill White, CEO of Avangrid Renewables, delivered the event’s closing remarks. Avangrid has committed to building an Offshore Wind Control Center in New Bedford, a state-of-the-art facility that will provide operations and control support for its 1,232-MW Commonwealth Wind project.

          Offshore Wind Community Outreach Forum

          Offshore Wind Community Outreach Forum

          by | Jun 9, 2022 | Blog, Events, News

          Offshore Wind Community Outreach Forum

          The New Bedford Ocean Cluster invites you to join us!

          Join us to explore how your company can work in the rapidly growing offshore wind industry through the Act Local Program and to meet industry peers.

          June 29th, 2022 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

          Join us to explore how your company can work in the rapidly growing offshore wind industry through the Act Local Program and to meet industry peers.

          The event will include networking and remarks from the NBOC, Vineyard Wind and local business leaders. 

          Register Today

          In partnership with:

          VINEYARD WIND AND THE NEW BEDFORD OCEAN CLUSTER (NBOC) ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO DRIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION

          VINEYARD WIND AND THE NEW BEDFORD OCEAN CLUSTER (NBOC) ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO DRIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION

          by | Oct 31, 2022 | News

          Act Local

          VINEYARD WIND AND THE NEW BEDFORD OCEAN CLUSTER (NBOC) ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO DRIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION

          “Act Local” is designed to ensure major offshore wind suppliers look to local businesses to support Vineyard Wind’s projects

          (New Bedford, MA) – The New Bedford Ocean Cluster Inc. (NBOC), in partnership with Vineyard Wind 1 LLC (Vineyard Wind), announced the launch of Act Local, a program designed to maximize the positive economic impacts of the Vineyard Wind 1 project in the greater New Bedford region by encouraging local business participation in the offshore wind industry. The program is part of Vineyard Wind’s commitment to Look Local First in support of its Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm.

          “We are committed to seeing the local economy participate in the development of the offshore wind industry and want to ensure there is a clear path for engagement, said Jennifer Cullen, Manager of Workforce & Supply Chain Development. “Act Local creates a direct link between our major suppliers who need products and services, and the local companies who can support their efforts.”

          The Act Local Program, facilitated by global energy consultancy Xodus, is a streamlined matchmaking system designed to connect local businesses with offshore wind opportunities. It seeks to take major Requests for Proposal (RFP) issued by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 companies, and break them down into well-defined work scopes using common language, allowing local companies to more easily self-identify as potential bidders, and to recognize work scopes within the RFP that relate to their product/service offerings. These work scopes are referred to as SMART opportunities—specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely—and will be recorded online through the NBOC Portal. 

          “Vineyard Wind is a true partner in the economic growth in the region,” said John Bullard, NBOC President.  “This innovative approach of directly connecting suppliers with opportunities highlights not only the strength of our local companies, but the commitment of Vineyard Wind to the region.”

          Community leads from institutions such as local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, who possess intimate knowledge of the local business environment and represent various sectors of the greater New Bedford region, will distribute these opportunities to relevant local companies that are capable and qualified to bid. Through this process OEMs and Tier 1s will be better equipped to “Look Local First”, and local companies will be informed of opportunities in the burgeoning offshore wind industry in a direct and timely fashion. Meet the Buyer events will be regularly carried out in New Bedford to provide a forum where prospective local offshore wind industry entrants can meet OEMs and Tier 1s face-to-face, making valuable connections and ensuring that the benefits realized from offshore wind development in the region, stay in the region. 

          The Act Local Program is the result of collaboration between Vineyard Wind, NBOC, and Xodus. It recognizes the importance of local content in building out the offshore wind supply chain in the greater New Bedford region following the Record of Decision recently issued by the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management (BOEM) for the Vineyard Wind 1 project. Act Local answers the call of both local businesses and major offshore wind OEMs and Tier 1 companies that seek to maximize local content, but recognize that the nascency of the industry means local companies are not yet fully aware of where they fit and what they can offer. Phase 1 of the Act Local Program will cover the Wind Turbine Generator, and Transportation & Installation packages of the Vineyard Wind 1 project, but may be expanded in the future to cover additional packages and projects. 

          For more information on the Act Local Program and to get involved, please contact Delia Warren at delia.warren@newbedfordoceancluster.org

          Act Local Registration

          Jennifer Downing Named First Executive Director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster

          Jennifer Downing Named First Executive Director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster

          by | Feb 25, 2022 | News

          Jennifer Downing Named First Executive Director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster

          (New Bedford, MA) The Board of Directors of the newly established New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Downing of Acushnet will lead the organization as its first executive director. She brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience in the areas of local economic development, environmental sustainability, and leadership development to the NBOC.

          The NBOC’s mission is to leverage New Bedford’s coastal position, marine knowledge base, and landside capacity to drive employment and wealth creation for New Bedford residents. Working collaboratively with a range of private sector, public sector, and academic partners, the NBOC will work to establish New Bedford as the leading ocean economy on the East Coast through a strategic focus on four interrelated industry pillars: commercial fishing & processing, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, and innovation & technology.

          “The entire NBOC Board is excited to have Jen lead our team,” John Bullard, President of the NBOC Board of Directors said recently announcing her appointment. “Because of her experience, her leadership skills and her passion for New Bedford she is already off to a very fast start mobilizing resources and gathering people together to seize the opportunity to create jobs around the possibilities that are before us in the blue economy. To be successful we need to bring a lot of people together, discover common objectives, work out our differences and move forward with a goal of increasing economic opportunities for all. Jen has the ability to help us do that.”

          In her position, Downing will be responsible for setting up the operational needs of the NBOC, working with local maritime stakeholders to define and advance economic development priorities, and managing cluster activity. A primary focus of the NBOC will be to foster a maritime business network that can serve as both a convener and clearinghouse for business-to-business interaction and commercial collaboration. The goal is to attract investment to New Bedford and its Port, support the formation and growth of ocean economy businesses, and develop strategies to create more value from our ocean resources including fish, aquaculture, and wind.

          “Jen is the ideal person to lead the New Bedford Ocean Cluster as it seeks to capitalize on the maritime opportunities that lie ahead for New Bedford. Her track record of facilitating teamwork, coupled with her understanding of New Bedford’s competitive advantages, will put the Ocean Cluster in a strong position to succeed,” Mayor Jon Mitchell, said.

          In late 2021, the NBOC launched the Act Local program in partnership with Vineyard Wind and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to connect Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 companies with local businesses interested and able to participate in the offshore wind industry supply chain. The Act Local Program is an innovative and streamlined approach to matchmaking and is the first of its kind in the U.S. offshore wind industry. The program is part of Vineyard Wind’s commitment to Look Local First in support of its Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm.

          “The NBOC is going to play a critical role in making sure that local businesses become part of the fabric of the growing offshore wind industry,” said Vineyard Wind’s Manager of Workforce & Supply Chain Development, Jennifer Cullen. “With her impressive experience, Jennifer is ideally positioned to lead the organization and ensure that it succeeds in its mission.”

          Most recently, Downing served as the vice president of community engagement at the Buzzards Bay Coalition where she oversaw the organization’s fundraising, marketing & communications, and public engagement programs and events. Prior to that, she served as the executive director of Leadership Southcoast (LSC). At LSC, Downing introduced new curriculum and formats that strengthened the program, expanded, and diversified enrollment, and launched the organization’s first alumni engagement strategy.

          Downing spent more than a decade in philanthropy working at the Garfield Foundation, a private foundation that awarded more than $2 million nationally to nonprofits addressing complex social and environmental problems through collaborative network approaches. She was responsible for both managing the operations of the foundation and serving as program officer for a place-based grant portfolio supporting economic and community revitalization projects in Greater New Bedford.

          That experience sparked Downing’s interest in advancing collaborative leadership and cross-sector collaborative processes and prompted her to focus her graduate studies on the subject. In 2018, she received the Brian Webb Award for Outstanding Master of Arts Thesis by Union Institute & University for her paper, Action Learning to Develop Collaborative Capacity for Social Change.

          “I’m really excited about joining the New Bedford Ocean Cluster,” Downing said. “A consistent thread running through my career has been a deep interest in advancing collaborative, network approaches locally to strengthen and revitalize our community. The ocean cluster ideology embodies this approach, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to leverage my background and skills to develop and lead such a model in New Bedford to advance its ocean economy.”

          In 2020, Downing was honored as a recipient of the John S. Brayton Community Service Award by the One South Coast Chamber of Commerce. She is currently the Chair of the Acushnet School Committee and has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, such as the United Way of Greater New Bedford Board of Directors, the New Bedford Regeneration Committee, the SouthCoast Neighbors United Board of Directors, the Civic & Political Leadership Working Group for the Women’s Fund’s Task Force on Pathways for Women to a Living Wage, and the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts’ Building Diverse Boards and Commissions Working Group.

          She holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City and an MA in Leadership, Public Policy and Social Issues from Union Institute & University. She is a proud 2009 graduate of Leadership SouthCoast and 2012 PLACES (Professionals Learning About Community, Equity & Sustainability) Fellow with The Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities.