NOVELTY - The converter (10) has columns in fluidic communication to ocean waves received at the converter via ports. The ports are arranged in series along a wave propagation direction. The ports exhibit greater depth into an ocean environment along the wave propagation direction to cause a component of the ocean waves to propagate in a downward direction and another component of the ocean waves to propagate into the ports to couple energy. The columns are arranged such that that elongate axes of the columns are aligned along the wave propagation direction.    USE - Wave energy converter for use in wave energy system for converting operation energy conveyed in ocean waves propagating in a wave propagation direction i.e. forward direction, in an ocean environment to generate electric power for a building (all claimed). Uses include but are not limited to floating hospital, residential facility, hotel, prison, offshore manufacturing application and offshore servicing application for oil and gas discovery and production system.    ADVANTAGE - The wave energy converter efficiently absorbs ocean wave energy and provides coastal defences to reduce coastal erosion and/or creates calm ocean conditions in aquaculture and/or harbor facilities. The wave energy converter is operated in a robust manner, manufactured in an inexpensive manner and convenient for ship yards.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The ports are elliptical cross-sectioned ports, round cross-sectioned ports and rectilinear cross-sectioned ports. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a wave energy system    (2) a method for converting energy conveyed in ocean waves propagating in wave propagation direction in an ocean environment to generate power.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of an upper side of an alternative ocean wave energy system with wave energy converters installed into a position within a system.    Wave energy converter (10)    Energy pickoff devices (60)    Wave energy system (300)    Platform (320)    Service housing (350)