Belgian Offshore Days 2024 in Ostend
Belgium is a global front-runner in offshore wind, but more and more players are appearing on the international stage. If we want to consolidate our position, it is crucial that we continue to focus on innovation and collaboration.
The Belgian Offshore Days is an annual two-day happening that provides a forum for the offshore wind sector and promotes cooperation between Belgian and international companies.
The event includes a trade fair, a conference, various roundtable discussions, inspiring pitches and a sea of opportunities to network with bright minds in the sector.
The Belgian Offshore Days are an initiative of the Belgian Offshore Cluster with the cooperation of the Pronvicial Development Agency of West Flanders and Blue Cluster.
Programme
The general structure of the Belgian Offshore Days 2024 is as follows:
- 27 March: trade fair, BOC conference and VIP dinner
- 28 March: fair, conference and roundtable discussions
On Wednesday 27 March, Blue Cluster is organising a number of pitches around innovative projects in the offshore wind sector. Be there and get inspired!
Check out the detailed programme
Day 1 (morning): Offshore Wind challenges towards 2030
| 10:00 | Welcome Erwin Leys (President of Belgian Offshore Cluster) |
| 10:05 | Opening speech Bart Tommelein (Mayor of Ostend) |
| 10:20 | Thematic speech Moderator |
| 10:30 | Princess Elisabeth Island Lieve Jorens (FPS Economy – DG Energy) |
| 10:50 | Workforce challenges Jakob Holst (GWO) |
| 11:10 | Securing offshore assets Kurt De Winter (Belgian Navy) |
| 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:40 | Innovative solutions Piet Opstaele (Blue Cluster) |
| 12:00 | Deep water challenges Stephan van Plateringen (Scottish development Int.) |
| 12:20 | New ambitions – New challenges Peter Frohböse (DNV) |
| 12:40 | Cable challenges & opportunities Geert Moerkerke (ELIA) |
| 13:00 | Conclusions |
| 13:05 | Lunch & networking |
Day 2: Skills & workforce for the offshore renewable energy industry
| 09:30 | Welcome and coffee |
| 10:00 | Education & skills by WindEurope |
| 10:10 | The FLORES project |
| 10:20 | The T-SHORE project |
| 10:30 | The Offshore4Sure project |
| 10:40 |
Workshops (choice among the following topics):
|
| 11:30 | Pleanary feedback |
| 11:50 | Conclusions |
| 12:00 | Lunch & networking |
| 13:00 | Innovation Stage by Blue Cluster |
Day 1 (afternoon): Innovation Stage: project pitches
Five pitches on innovative projects in the offshore wind sector:
| 14:00 | Optimizing operational efficiency and predictive maintenance through integrity monitoring of cables and foundations (BOPTIC). Roel Vanthillo (Marlinks) |
| 14:10 | Unlocking the Potential: Harnessing Marine Ecosystem Services and Ecosystem Approach for Offshore Wind Farms (MeSP and WABESCO ) Kristien Veys (Blue Cluster) |
| 14:20 | On the use of physics-based and data-driven digital twins for offshore wind monitoring applications (Soiltwin and Supersized 4.0) Jan Helsen (VUB) and Christof Devriendt (VUB/24SEA) |
| 14:40 | Preparing 15+ MW wind turbine components for harsh climatic environments (Energietransitiefonds Harsh R&D test) Pieter Jan Jordaens (Sirris) |
| 14:50 | Cheaper foundations by demonstrating the fatigue capacity of robot welded joints (JaCo) Philippe Thibaux (OCAS) |
| 15:00 | Networking (booth 262) |
Practical information
The Belgian Offshore Days take place in the ACEG Arena, Kon. Astridlaan 10, 8400 Oostende (Ostend) (former Wellington racecourse).
The language of communication during the event is English. Participation is free of charge, but you are required to register in advance.
Want to have your own stand at the trade fair of the Belgian Offshore Days? A few places are still available. Apply for a stand at the trade fair.
Do you have specific questions or want more detailed information about the Belgian Offshore Days? Then contact Belgian Offshore Cluster.
