A year of looking ahead although the world and our industry keep facing challenges due to Covid-19. Also a year where IRO reached its fiftieths anniversary, a milestone we are very proud of. Looking back at fifty years offshore industry, it shows us how resilient this traditional Dutch industry is. Our members have faced many challenging situations and always found a way to rise the challenge. The offshore industry has been one of the top five in the world for fifty years. This position is due to a strong cluster of suppliers. Innovative companies are commissioned by the major energy companies to build, transport, maintain and clean up platforms, transformer stations and wind turbines after use. They play an important role in the current energy transition, which is largely being realised at sea.
However, we still depend on the good will of our government regarding financing all forms of energy. Investors are stepping away from conventional energy faster and more massively under social pressure and responsibility to make their portfolio more sustainable and no longer support conventional energy projects. A difficult position since we still rely on conventional energy sources to offer security of energy supply worldwide. Nonetheless, we have to move with new markets, which means innovation, attract new talent and enter into strategic partnerships. Not an easy task to do but the Dutch are taking the frontrunner’s role since we are pioneers by heart.
We believe that the Dutch offshore industry will remain a major player in the global offshore market, in particular through the use of smart techniques and solutions for the many issues concerning the offshore energy transition. Great opportunities and challenges lie in making processes more sustainable. Ships can sail cleaner, on LNG and later perhaps also methanol or hydrogen. In addition, platforms and activities at sea can be made even more efficient and environmentally friendly. The next step is to electrify the installations on the platform, first from the shore and later directly from a nearby Offshore Wind Farm.
Fifty years of offshore industry has showed the world this industry operates with a lot of courage and technical ingenuity in a critical social and political climate.
How do we see our future? The IRO members are flexible and seize the opportunities that arise. It doesn’t matter what needs to be done at sea, the IRO members will get the job done. The sea is gigantic, we are far from finished. As IRO, we will always keep the same role, facilitating the network and bringing the global opportunities to our members. IRO members (and hopefully supported by the government) are ready for the next 50 years to give substance to the worldwide Offshore Energy Transition!
We are proud to present to you the Netherlands Suppliers Catalogue 2022, which gives a clear overview of the activities, products and services of our innovative Dutch offshore energy suppliers. Our members look forward to working with you! Have a look at their online profiles and interesting offshore related articles.
Sander Vergroesen, Managing Director
IRO – The Association of Dutch Suppliers in the Offshore Energy Industry