Global Metocean Scientists Convene in HRI, London Linked for Global Meeting
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
The Island University
Harte Research Institute
6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 361.825.2420 FAX 361.825.2620
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 21, 2026
CONTACT: Harte Research Institute – Kate Idzorek, Associated Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications, 361.825.2032; kathryn.idzorek@tamucc.edu
Global Metocean Scientists Convene in HRI, London Linked for Global Meeting
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Over the course of one week in late April into May, the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will help bridge more than 6,000 miles — connecting the Coastal Bend to a global network of ocean and energy experts.
Early on the morning of April 27, HRI will link with London to co-host the International Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) Metocean Committee meeting. Conducted twice each year, the meeting will run April 27 through May 1, with HRI and Corpus Christi serving as a key hub alongside IOGP headquarters in London.
The Metocean Committee brings together international experts who use oceanic and atmospheric data to improve the design, safety, and performance of offshore and coastal projects. The research and standards shared during the meeting help guide decisions that influence offshore safety, energy infrastructure, and environmental protection in the Gulf and around the world.
Hosting this meeting positions HRI and Corpus Christi at the center of conversations shaping the future of offshore operations, while also highlighting the region’s growing role in applied ocean science and energy innovation.
Felimon Gayanilo, an Enterprise IT professional in HRI’s Geospatial Sciences Lab, was instrumental in bringing the event to HRI. The meeting provides an opportunity for HRI to showcase its research while welcoming perspectives from global leaders in the field.
“This meeting is a unique opportunity to put HRI and Corpus Christi on the global stage,” Gayanilo stated. “It allows us to meet metocean scientists at HRI while learning from leaders around the world through the DeepStar reports, who are advancing safety and innovation in offshore operations.”
The event also strengthens collaboration between industry and academia, giving both a chance to understand their needs and prospectives. Gayanilo will present “The BSEE/NTL Data Portal: An Update” which will focus on a data portal for oil and gas industry metocean data that HRI developed and manages through the Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS).
Speakers from Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Florida A&M University, Rutgers University, Woods Hole Group, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will also fill the schedule.
“Collaboration between the IOGP Metocean Committee with academic and government scientists is essential for advancing reliable ocean and atmospheric data, models, and standards,” said Dr. Oleg E. Esenkov, a Principal Marine Engineer-Metocean at Exxon/Mobil. “By working together these groups can align research with real-world engineering needs, accelerate innovation, and ensure that metocean knowledge supports safer, more sustainable offshore and coastal operations.”
About the Harte Research Institute: The Harte Research Institute, an endowed research component of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is dedicated to advancing the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf. HRI provides science-driven solutions™ and international leadership in generating and disseminating knowledge about the Gulf ecosystem and its critical role in the economies of the North America region. Learn more at www.harteresearch.org.
About Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Offering more than 85 of the most popular degree programs in the state, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi has proudly provided a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty, and highly rated degree programs since 1947. The Island University has earned its spot as the premier, urban doctoral-granting institution in South Texas, supporting a UAS test site, three institutes, and more than 40 research centers and labs. Discover your island at www.tamucc.edu.
