EVENT DESCRIPTION
This summit, a key event of Houston Energy and Climate Week, is dedicated to exploring the pivotal role of the maritime, offshore, and broader energy sectors in the global energy transition. This event, presented in collaboration with leading professional societies (SNAME, ASME, MTS, SUT), will highlight how innovation and sustainability are shaping a more resilient and efficient future for these vital industries.
Our goal is to create a dynamic platform that connects Houston's rich energy history with its evolving identity as a leader in sustainable technology and climate solutions. We will bring together industry leaders, engineers, policymakers, academics, and students to discuss and showcase the latest advancements driving a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
The summit will demonstrate that a successful energy transition requires seamless collaboration across these industries. We will highlight how the offshore industry is repurposing its deep-sea expertise for pioneering floating wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen production at sea; how the maritime sector is evolving into a key driver for new green fuels; and how the traditional energy sector is leveraging its engineering and financial capabilities to scale up these new, sustainable technologies.
We will have two sessions. The morning session, " Charting a New Course: Maritime and Offshore Innovation for a Sustainable Future ", will focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within the maritime and offshore industries. We will highlight how they are at the forefront of the energy transition, from developing alternative fuels and propulsion systems to implementing AI, digital twins, and automation. The afternoon session, "The Future of Energy: From Hydrocarbons to Hydrogen and Beyond", will expand the discussion to the broader energy market, focusing on how Houston's energy sector is innovating to meet the demands of the energy transition.
Key Themes and Discussions:
- Decarbonizing Shipping: Alternative Fuels and Port Innovations This topic will focus on Sustainable Shipping and Logistics, with a practical emphasis on the transition to low-carbon fuels. We will discuss the viability, challenges, and opportunities of adopting alternative marine fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels. The session will also highlight the critical role of ports, specifically the Houston Ship Channel, in developing the infrastructure and logistics required to support these new energy sources and drive decarbonization.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Tim Sensenig, TMSFirst CEO
- Marco Romero, DNV Maritime Director
- Jean-Paul Rodrigue, TAMU Prof on Marine Business Administration
- The Blue Economy & Offshore Energy: Innovation at Sea This theme delves into the expanding offshore energy landscape. It will focus on the offshore wind industry, discussing engineering, logistical, and design challenges of building wind farms at sea. The discussion will also explore other facets of the "blue economy," such as ocean technology, sustainable aquaculture, and marine conservation. A dedicated session will cover Innovative Mooring and Foundation Systems, highlighting cutting-edge solutions for this emerging sector.
- Ikpoto Udoh, Bimaclaxx CEO
- Kent Johnson, CSL Wind CEO
- Greg Jandjel, NextBlue Industry Sr. VP Technology
- AI, Digitalization, and Automation: This session will explore the transformative power of digital technologies. We will examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, and automation are being used for predictive maintenance, optimizing vessel routes to improve fuel efficiency, and enhancing safety and risk management across the maritime and offshore sectors.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Marco Poisler, UTC Overseas COO
- Thiago Bacic, Radix VP Infrastructure & Services
- Piotr Szalewski, DNV Manager
- The New Energy Landscape: A Houston Perspective This session will explore how clean energy technologies, green hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the digitalization of the energy grid are reshaping the energy landscape. The discussion will highlight how these innovations are accelerating the global energy transition while strengthening Houston's position as a leader in climate solutions. We will examine the technical and financial challenges of scaling up these technologies and the role of policy in driving adoption.
- Luis Soriano: Neuman & Esser (confirmed)
- AirLiquide: Maria Bonikowska (pending)
- Siemens Energy : (pending)
- Teadit: Pending to add person (Confirmed)
- Advanced Materials and Next-Generation Technology: This panel will focus on technological advancements beyond software, highlighting how innovation in materials and engineering is driving a more sustainable and efficient maritime and offshore future. We will cover cutting-edge technologies, including new coatings and the increasing use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for offshore structures and vessel components.
- NOV David Reid (pending)
- Esen Erdemir, Technip FMC : pending
- Mercy Renteria, Enress+Hauser (confirmed)
- Policy, Partnerships, and Investment Strategies for a Resilient Future: This topic combines two critical elements of energy transition: collaboration and climate adaptation. It will host a discussion on the collaborative frameworks and strategies required to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices. The session will cover the role of regulatory frameworks, international agreements, and public-private partnerships in creating a clear pathway to a low-carbon future. The discussion will also address Offshore Infrastructure in a Changing Climate. Experts will focus on the practical challenges of designing and retrofitting infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and rising sea levels, demonstrating how collaboration is essential for building a more resilient and sustainable industry.
- Michael Edwards, Partners & Performance (confirmed)
- Peter Wallace : Lloyds Register (confirmed)
- Rene Powell, BV (pending)
- ABS (Pending)
This is a free event, all are welcome!
To learn more and register click here.
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