National Taiwan Ocean University, in response to Ørsted Taiwan Ltd.(沃旭能源) and Dong Fang Offshore Co., Ltd.(東方風能科技股份有限公司), has initiated a program to facilitate the transition of fishermen, offering guidance to young adults aspiring to engage in maritime operations related to offshore wind farms. Participants undergo a comprehensive 10-week interdisciplinary and technical training curriculum.

On August 7th, the university hosted the graduation ceremony for the "B Class Seafarer Maritime Development Training Program." A total of 18 trainees successfully completed the training and attained B Class Seafarer qualifications. The certificates were conferred by Vice President Nan Fan Hua(冉繁華), Chairman Christy Wang(汪欣潔) of Ørsted Taiwan, and CEO Chen Po Lin(陳柏霖) of Dong Fang Offshore Co., Ltd.

Chairman Christy Wang emphasized the pivotal role of cultivating a skilled pool of local maritime personnel, given the various phases involved in a large-scale wind farm's development, construction, and over 25 years of operation. This initiative is a collaborative endeavor involving wind farm operators, vessel suppliers, and educational institutions. It prioritizes the participation of fishermen, their offspring, and young individuals from Changhua and Taichung, who express interest in contributing to the offshore wind energy industry. Ørsted Taiwan has taken tangible steps to assist fishermen in their transition and looks forward to witnessing the presence of these young individuals aboard work vessels within wind farms.

CEO Chen Po Lin highlighted Taiwan's leading role in Asia's wind energy industry development, emphasizing the substantial demand for talent. Different types of wind farm vessels face distinct challenges, and in the future, Dong Fang Offshore Co., Ltd. intends to release internship opportunities, encouraging enthusiastic enrollment from program participants.

 

Offshore wind energy is an indispensable component of the net-zero transition. With Taiwan's offshore wind power sector gradually taking shape, the demand for skilled professionals is steadily increasing. Throughout the development, construction, and over 25 years of operation of offshore wind farms, diverse work vessels are essential for tasks such as surveys, transportation, construction, safety maintenance, and supply, with crew members assuming crucial roles. Supported by Ørsted Taiwan's full sponsorship and advocacy, Dong Fang Offshore Co., Ltd. has engaged in a model of industry-academic collaboration with National Taiwan Ocean University to establish this specialized program.

In coordination with Chung Hwa Merchant Marine Seafarers Training Center, National Taiwan Ocean University has thoughtfully designed the curriculum. Basic safety and assistant-level navigational training are conducted at the center, while practical courses are taught by experienced captains. Theoretical subjects are instructed by dedicated university faculty members, well-versed in both theory and practice. The program aims to cultivate competent B Class Seafarers for wind farm vessels. After completing their internships, students will be fully prepared to contribute to Taiwan's offshore wind farms, enhancing the country's maritime engineering talent pool.

Student participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enroll in the program. They shared how the training provided practical insights into wind energy operations, deepening their interest in maritime engineering. Their diverse backgrounds, including culinary expertise, printing industry experience, and previous roles as electronic engineers, highlight the program's appeal and effectiveness. They acknowledged the program's professional and resource-rich nature, particularly the hands-on experiences with vessel operations, which left them with a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, they recognized the distinct challenges and unique opportunities presented by offshore wind operations and expressed aspirations for advanced certifications and managerial roles.

In conclusion, the collaboration between National Taiwan Ocean University, Ørsted Taiwan Ltd., and Dong Fang Offshore Co., Ltd. in establishing this specialized training program underscores the commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce for Taiwan's burgeoning offshore wind energy sector. Beyond practical training, the program fosters a new generation of professionals poised to contribute to the industry's growth and success.