Meet Umberto Varbaro, Offshore & Renewable Energy Engineer, ABL New York
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
What does your day look like at ABL?
In my day-to-day, I work in a variety of engineering consultancy projects for offshore renewables, mainly offshore wind, and maritime. In some cases, I perform the technical work, in others I manage the projects, having the main interface with our clients. I also, currently, have a business development and strategy coordination role for North America, through which I collaborate regularly with country and business line managers to support our business growth in the region, with a focus on energy transition.
What inspired you to join your industry?
I am a passionate sailor, having done a lot of competitive sailing on dinghies, and I have always loved the sea. That, together with my interest in engineering, made me study naval architecture and join the maritime industry. I am inspired by the opportunity to help solving complex engineering challenges within this industry, which have a considerable footprint on our global society. I then transitioned also to the offshore renewables industry, which motivates me due to the fast technology advancements and its importance to tackle a global challenge.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
In some recent projects I am supporting our clients with cost engineering services for offshore wind. What I like about this type of projects, is that they allow me to have a holistic view of the project and to see how all activities, technical assumptions and engineering packages are combined together to determine the bid price for the offshore wind lease auctions and the overall financial viability of the projects.
What does the future look like in energy and oceans in the USA?
In maritime, among the key trends, we are seeing an increasing amount of new ship design and construction projects for Jones Act-compliant offshore vessels here in the US. In addition, there is an overall drive for decarbonization of the industry, with developments on alternative fuels, improved efficiencies, new technologies, electric and hybrid vessels, and many others.
On the offshore renewables side, offshore wind is picking up again its momentum after a more “turbulent” end of 2023, and other marine renewable technologies are currently receiving funding in support of their implementation and potential co-location with other offshore energy projects.
What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ABL Group team in the USA?
I enjoy that the team is dynamic and so it is possible to collaborate regularly with many colleagues throughout the different projects. The work environment at the office is great, with some fun post-work social activities in New York City, some highlights from the last years being playing indoor golf, watching national hockey and basketball games at the stadiums, playing an escape room game and playing tennis with colleagues.
More about Umberto
Position: Offshore & Renewable Energy Engineer / North America BD & Strategy Coordinator
Office: ABL, New York City
Hobbies: Sailing, travelling, basketball, tennis, piano and guitar.
Favourite song: “Wake Me Up” from Avicii, as it brings back special memories for me.
Meet Umberto at IPF24, 22-25 April, New Orleans where ABL will be attending alongside colleagues from the wider ABL Group, with whom we have combined experience supporting +260 offshore wind projects worldwide and +230 GW of offshore wind capacity. Click below to find out more: