The global offshore renewable industry is experiencing rapid growth, with offshore wind capacity reaching approximately 60 GW in 2023. With projections suggesting that offshore wind could become a $1 trillion industry by 2040, Seanergy 2024 provides an essential platform for key players in the industry to convene and drive innovation.
The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to offshore wind energy, with ambitious targets to deploy 45 GW of offshore wind along its coasts in the next 25 years. Recent milestones include the inauguration of France’s third offshore wind farm off the coast of Fécamp and the announcement of the winner of the first floating wind power tender in Brittany.
“The recent announcements by Ministers Bruno Le Maire and Roland Lescure emphasize France’s role in the global market for renewable energies at sea and highlight our commitment to accelerating sector development for energy transition. We particularly commend the streamlining of procedures, the initiation of significant new tenders, and the focus on bolstering European industrial sovereignty. Seanergy provides an international platform to gather all stakeholders, enhancing these initiatives and fostering global collaborations.” – Sabrina Peseux, President and Associate Director of Bluesign.
Seanergy has been held annually in France since 2016, and for this 8th edition, the exhibition and conference will be held on June 26 and 27 in Nantes – ExpoNantes, Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire. Academic and industrial site visits will take place on June 28 at various sites in the Loire region (Saint Nazaire wind farm, SEM Rev test site, port of Saint-Nazaire…).
Organized in partnership with local authorities (Pays de la Loire Region, Nantes Métropole, and Saint-Nazaire Agglo) and partners (including: Syndicat des énergies renouvelables, France Renouvelables, World Forum Offshore Wind, French Maritime Cluster, Ocean Energy Europe), the multi-technology event brings together the international offshore renewable energy community and related sectors to promote all technologies and contribute to the acceleration and development of the sector by creating synergies and connections among stakeholders.
The program will address the fundamental topics of this year 2024 – offshore wind energy development targets and how to achieve it, the strengthening of the French and European local industry and valorization strategies, job creation, or the importance of international collaborations – and the related topics (port infrastructures, maritime decarbonization, new types of tenders, new methods of installation and maintenance in floating…).
Among the key themes of this edition:
Ports and their infrastructures: a session will bring together representatives of major European ports to discuss all issues related to the development of marine energies, especially their infrastructures. These ports will also be represented at the heart of the exhibition and through a satellite event, organized by Business France, which offers French players the opportunity to participate in business meetings with three major Irish ports, to showcase French industrial expertise and promote international collaboration.
Digital: Seanergy will also focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity issues in marine energies to integrate them into the sector’s development reflections. Seanergy will host several digital players, including ATS and Greenwits, and for the first time, major players such as SAP, Phoenix Contact, and TeamViewer, whose participation highlights a strong interest in this new industrial sector.
Employment: Over the two days of the forum, the exhibition will address the main challenges of the sector, including making the sector appealing and offering job opportunities. The Workinblue village is designed to provide guided tours to explore different jobs and training options while connecting with industry professionals. This means that high school students, college students, and job seekers can have a tailored and engaging experience during their visit to Seanergy.
Ahead of Seanergy, the 10th National Marine Renewable Energy Conference, organized by the Renewable Energy Syndicate, will take place on June 25 at the Saint-Nazaire Submarine Base.