In a strategic move initiating cross-Atlantic discussions to expand supply chain opportunities in the U.S., CWC Executive Director Kristin Urbach brought a 20-person delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to New London’s State Pier October 25.

The delegation had plans to travel from Providence to New Jersey for the American Clean Power Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition and Kristin saw an opportunity to showcase Connecticut’s leadership role in the industry.

Kristin and CWC Board Chair Paul Lavoie joined the delegation on an early morning bus trip from Providence and used that time to provide an in-depth and dynamic overview of manufacturing in Connecticut and advancements in offshore wind.

This esteemed delegation of industry, research, and government experts provided insights and experiences that sparked valuable discussions to pave the way for future collaborations. Kristin organized the event to allow time for the delegation to meet with leaders of locally headquartered businesses in the offshore wind industry.

“We made the most of the compressed timeframe,” Kristin said after the event. “It was rewarding to see them break into small groups to network. Some spoke with Ali Halvordson of ThayerMahan, and others spoke with Board member Gordon Videll of Sea Services. Board member Paul Whitescarver, who is Chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority and Executive Director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region spoke with some as did Tony Sheridan of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. These small groups just formed naturally and engaged.”

The visit from the Netherlands delegation came just a few weeks after CWC Vice-Chair Andrew Lavigne and federal and regional officials traveled to the Netherlands to tour the Port of Rotterdam and education and research institutions and to meet with business leaders. That grip was organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. And in September, leaders of the Wind Collaborative toured UK ports and businesses to initiate similar collaborative efforts.