International WorkBoat Show, New Orleans, Nov. 12-14
The International WorkBoat Show will take place in New Orleans November 12 to 14. This year’s event features a new paid program: Maritime Innovations at WorkBoat, offering in-depth educational presentations along four tracks. Free content will be available at the main stage.
One highlight of this year’s programming is a panel titled “The U.S. Dredging Boom: Trends, Technologies, and Future Directions, where dredging industry leaders will discuss significant advancements and trends shaping the sector. Experts such as Bill Doyle, CEO and executive director of Dredging Contractors of America, and other top industry professionals will dive into critical topics such as the massive investment in fleet modernization, the highly competitive nature of the U.S. dredging market, and the increasing focus on the beneficial use of dredged material for environmental restoration. With nearly $3 billion being invested in new vessels and equipment, and a strong push toward reusing dredged material for coastal and habitat restoration, this session will provide essential market insights.
Another key focus of the program is offering vessel owners and operators practical knowledge on how to leverage emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and autonomous systems to improve vessel design, operations, and maintenance. Attendees will learn firsthand from industry experts, such as Matthew Jackson, vice president of Advanced Energy at Crowley, including the latest green energy advancements that are transforming the maritime sector.
Additionally, this year’s sessions will explore opportunities for collaborating on NOAA’s new vessel construction projects as the agency works to replace aging ships and sustain its marine mission. Experts, including NOAA RAdm. Chad Cary, will provide valuable information on shipbuilding contracts and fleet enhancement opportunities.
The program will also dive into energy efficiency strategies with innovative cooling systems and energy-saving devices, presented by Soren Pedersen of Frese A/S. These advancements, along with new safety technologies from projects such as Perfect Storm, offer essential guidance for improving vessel performance, reducing fuel consumption, and ensuring safer operations at sea.
The International WorkBoat Show offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead in the maritime industry. With insights on new technologies, industry trends and expert perspectives, this year’s programming is designed to provide actionable takeaways.