A look back at the 2024 Maritime Economy Conference

On November 19 and 20, 2024, the Assises de l’économie de la mer (Sea Economy Conference) was held in Bordeaux. It brought together more than 1,000 political, economic, and military decision-makers from the maritime sector. This event highlighted the transitions underway in the maritime economy, with a particular focus on marine renewable energy (MRE).

Announcement of Call for Tenders No. 9 (AO9)

During the conference, the government announced the launch of Call for Tenders No. 9 (AO9) for the development of new offshore wind farms. It targets a total capacity of 2.5 gigawatts (GW). This call for tenders comprises four projects: a 500-megawatt (MW) farm in southern Brittany, two 500 MW farms in the Mediterranean, and a farm of around 1,000 MW off the coast of Oléron. This initiative is part of the national energy transition and decarbonization strategy, thereby strengthening France’s position in the MRE sector.

Round table on the European offshore wind industry in the face of Chinese competition

A dedicated round table discussed the challenges facing the European offshore wind industry, particularly increased competition from China. Speakers emphasized the need for Europe to defend its market and strengthen its competitiveness. Discussions focused on the importance of supporting innovation, investing in research and development, and implementing favorable industrial policies to counter the growing dominance of Chinese companies in the renewable energy sector.

Presentations by the OPEN-C Foundation and the Renewable Energy Union (SER)

Bertrand Alessandrini, CEO of the OPEN-C Foundation (see presentation webinar), spoke at the conference “Marine renewable energies: what solutions for floating wind power and tidal power.” He highlighted the technological advances and challenges associated with floating wind power and tidal power, emphasizing the importance of offshore test sites in accelerating the development of these technologies. As the operator of French offshore test centers, the OPEN-C Foundation plays a key role in validating prototypes and supporting innovative projects in the field of MRE.

The Renewable Energy Union (SER) also spoke to emphasize the importance of planning and consultation in the deployment of MRE. The SER stressed the need for close collaboration between public and private actors to achieve France’s ambitious targets for offshore renewable energy.

Energy transition and port infrastructure

The event also highlighted the importance of energy transition, particularly through the development of MRE, the decarbonization of maritime transport, and the adaptation of port infrastructure. Discussions emphasized the need to invest in appropriate infrastructure to support the growth of MRE and facilitate its integration into the national energy mix. Ports are called upon to play a central role as logistics and industrial hubs for MRE projects, requiring significant investment to modernize and adapt their facilities.

Commitment of the French maritime community

These exchanges reinforced the French maritime community’s commitment to a sustainable and innovative blue economy. Participants emphasized the importance of cooperation between the various players in the sector to meet the challenges of energy transition and decarbonization. The focus was on training and skills development to support these transformations, as well as on the need for coherent and ambitious public policies to support the development of MRE.

In conclusion, the 2024 Sea Economy Conference was an opportunity to reaffirm the collective desire to transform the French maritime sector into a model of sustainability and innovation, with marine renewable energy at the heart of this transition.