Connecticut’s leading role in the national offshore wind energy supply chain was on display in January when three leaders of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative were featured at the 2025 Oceantic Network Offshore Wind Operations & Maintenance and Health & Safety Summit.

Executive Director Kristin Urbach led the Offshore Wind Training Excellence & Innovation in the Northeast panel, which included CT Wind Collaborative Board members Maria Hanna, President and CEO of Survival Systems USA, and Gordon Videll, CEO of Sea Services North America.

The discussion focused on the critical role of workforce development and safety in advancing offshore wind projects. Kristin’s background in healthcare and her more recent roles at the forefront of offshore wind energy made her the ideal moderator for this panel, which also showcased the worker safety training that Hanna and Videll provide to the industry.

Kristin, a recognized thought leader in renewable energy, is spearheading Connecticut’s efforts to set national benchmarks for offshore wind safety training — an essential component for the success of U.S. offshore wind projects.

Hanna’s Survival Systems, based in Groton, CT, is at the forefront of workforce development and safety for all military branches and offshore construction workers. It is the first in the region to provide basic safety, sea survival, helicopter underwater egress training (HUET), and Global Wind Organization training and credentials.

Videll’s Sea Services, of New London, CT, partners with commercial fishermen along the East Coast to provide wind farm developers with experienced local mariners who can perform seabed scouting and safety perimeter services during construction. Each vessel is equipped with safety equipment that exceeds U.S. Coast Guard requirements, and all crewmen are trained in safety and emergency procedures that also exceed U.S. Coast Guard standards.

“Offshore wind workers face challenging environments in every season, so it is paramount that we ensure their health and safety as we build, operate, and maintain the offshore industry,” Kristin said.

The summit brought together global industry leaders committed to advancing offshore wind development. We extend a special thank you to Liz Burdock, President and CEO of Oceantic Network, for providing critical conferences like these!