Wendy Laursen

Wendy Laursen: Charting the Future of Maritime Innovation

We’ve followed Wendy Laursen’s two-decade career as she emerged as a pivotal voice in maritime and environmental journalism. Her work, grounded in scientific rigor and geopolitical awareness, bridges technical expertise with accessible storytelling, making complex topics like offshore energy and climate mitigation resonate across industries.

Career Trajectory: From Marine Ecology to Global Maritime Discourse

Laursen’s journey began with a Master of Science in marine ecology, a foundation that informs her nuanced analysis of ocean technologies. Early roles at regional Australian outlets sharpened her ability to translate technical maritime concepts for broad audiences. By the mid-2010s, her bylines in The Maritime Executive and Marine Technology News established her as a trusted analyst of offshore energy transitions.

• 2015-2020: Pioneered coverage of Asia-Pacific LNG infrastructure growth
• 2021-Present: Leads reporting on offshore wind-hydrogen synergies
• 2024 Highlight: Broke down DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights data on ammonia vs. methanol adoption

Defining Works: Three Articles That Shaped Industry Conversations

Op/Ed: Public Opinion on Nuclear Power Has Deep Roots

This April 2025 analysis dissects Pacific nations’ historical resistance to nuclear technology through the lens of Australia’s proposed micro modular reactor-powered disaster relief vessels. Laursen traces anti-nuclear sentiment from French Polynesian test sites to modern climate solutions, interviewing Fijian policymakers and Lloyd’s Register analysts. Her balanced approach contrasts technical feasibility with postcolonial sensitivities, exemplified by:

“LR’s ‘Fuel for thought nuclear’ report talks about safety, but historical resentment may also run deep.”

The article sparked debate in energy circles about social license for maritime nuclear applications, cited in multiple Pacific policy briefings.

A New Use for Old Jackets

In this January 2025 investigation, Laursen explores repurposing decommissioned oil platforms for $22 billion algal aquaculture farms. She details species selection challenges in dynamic offshore environments, citing Heliyon journal findings on Laminaria digitata growth rates. The piece profiles Chinese engineers adapting jacket structures for macroalgae cultivation while addressing concerns about heavy metal leaching.

Spreading the High-Spec Joy

Covering Van Oord’s 20MW-capacity Boreas installation vessel launch, this January 2025 article analyzes China’s offshore wind manufacturing surge. Laursen contrasts European turbine designs with Dongfang Electric’s 26MW prototypes, embedding interviews with Dutch marine architects about dynamic positioning system innovations.

Beat Analysis: Strategic Pitching Guidelines

1. Lead With Cross-Sector Synergies

Laursen prioritizes stories demonstrating energy-environmental overlaps, like her 2024 piece on carbon-neutral fuel demand in DNV’s Maritime Forecast. Successful pitches might explore:

• Offshore wind farms doubling as hydrogen production hubs
• AI optimizing aquaculture-CCUS (carbon capture) site selection

2. Ground Innovations in Regional Realities

Her nuclear power analysis shows appetite for solutions addressing Pacific Island nations’ unique needs. Pitch marine technologies addressing:

• Atoll nation-specific desalination systems
• Typhoon-resilient microgrid configurations

3. Quantify Industry Shifts With Original Data

The December 2024 Alternative Fuels Insights breakdown set benchmarks for ammonia adoption tracking. Ideal submissions include:

• Class society reports on methanol bunkering infrastructure
• Port authority emissions reduction metrics

Awards and Recognition

While Laursen maintains focus on substantive reporting over accolades, her career milestones include:

• 2023 Marine Media Fellowship: Recognized for elucidating complex maritime decarbonization pathways
• Seatrade Sustainability Champion Nomination: For series on Pacific Island climate resilience technologies