Ladies and Gentlemen,

Following the very successful first “offshore summit” in 2012, we would like to once again welcome you to the island of Heligoland. Here on Heligoland, the world’s first offshore service island is being developed: in the north of Heligoland, three wind parks are currently being constructed. Beginning in 2015, these will supply electricity to approximately 1 million households. So what is going to happen next?

What framework conditions are needed in order to attract further investments?  And how is the grid expansion in the North Sea and between the North Sea border countries progressing?

These are topical questions that concern all of us these days. The second Offshore Economic Forum offers an ideal platform for discussing such questions and developing solutions.

The venue of this conference has been selected with care: with its unique location and its impressive deep-sea environment, Heligoland has always been a special place. For thinkers, poets, politicians and economists, Heligoland is the island of inspiration and new impetus. This summer, we once again look forward to welcoming pilots, political and economic stakeholders and other experts from the energy industry. All of these representatives are coming to Heligoland to speak to you in an intimate, exclusive environment.

A summer’s dinner on the “Dune” island, and, if you wish, a trip with the Halunder Jet catamaran to the wind plant site will complement your stay. Getting here could not be any easier:

In addition to several sea connections, e.g. from Hamburg or Cuxhaven, you can also take a 25-minute flight and enjoy the view of Northern Germany’s energy landscape and the Wadden Sea. Various accommodation options are available to you.

I would like to wish you inspiring discussions and a very pleasant stay on Heligoland.

Jörg Singer

Mayor