Page 13: of Marine News Magazine (September 2026)

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Washington Watch

NOIA natural gas remain the foundation of America’s offshore industries still taking shape. The offshore sector has long economy and will continue to supply reliable, affordable shared expertise with industries ranging from aerospace to energy for decades to come. The technologies being devel- defense, and that exchange continues as engineering chal- oped today are helping unlock resources that strengthen lenges grow more complex.

U.S. energy security while supporting jobs, investment, The Gulf of America has never simply been a place and manufacturing across the country. where America produces offshore energy. It has been the

But history suggests something equally important. The place where America learns how to produce offshore en- technologies developed to solve one offshore challenge ergy better: more safely, more ef? ciently, and in environ- rarely remain con? ned to that challenge alone. Advances ments once thought impossible – for the bene? t of Ameri- in drilling, subsea engineering, marine operations, digital can consumers and economies throughout the world. As monitoring, environmental science, and reservoir manage- new offshore industries emerge alongside traditional en- ment continue to strengthen offshore oil and natural gas ergy development, that culture of innovation may prove while creating capabilities that can be applied to emerg- to be one of the Gulf’s greatest long-term contributions.

ing opportunities: from carbon capture and storage and The next breakthrough may look different than the last offshore critical minerals to autonomous systems, com- one. But if history is any guide, there’s a good chance it will mercial space infrastructure, offshore wind, and other begin in the Gulf of America.

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