The Hai Long Offshore Wind Project (Hai Long Project), jointly developed by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan, Northland Power Inc. of Canada, and Gentari Renewables of Malaysia, hosted the "2026 Fishers Training Program Launch Ceremony" today in Changhua. In partnership with the Changhua Fishermen's Association, the initiative introduces specialized training courses designed to assist local fishermen acquire international maritime and offshore wind certifications.
In addition to fully subsidizing training fees, and accommodation or transportation, the program cooperates with local operations and maintenance operator IOG Wind to provide guaranteed job interviews and practical training. As the Hai Long Project wind farm is scheduled to enter its long-term operational phase next year, this initiative aims to create diverse career paths and development opportunities for local youth and fishermen in Changhua through systematic training and employment bridging.
Realizing Local Co-Prosperity with Fully Funded Career Transition Programs
The "2026 Fishers Training Program" comprises two core pillars, commissioned to the Chinese Maritime Transport Training Center and the Taiwan International Windpower Training Corporation (TIWTC) respectively: the "STCW Basic Safety Training Refresher Course" and the "Wind Farm O&M Technician Training Course."
The "STCW Basic Safety Training Refresher Course" assists fishermen holding Fisherman's Identification and Service Book to complete refresher training in accordance with the international STCW Convention. This training strengthens core capabilities in firefighting, fire prevention, and personal survival techniques at sea, allowing participants to leverage their existing maritime experience while enhancing career flexibility.
The "Wind Farm O&M Technician Training Course" covers the Global Wind Organization (GWO) professional training modules required for offshore wind technicians. Tailored to the actual manpower requirements and qualifications demanded by Hai Long Project’s O&M contractors, the curriculum includes five specialized modules: Basic Safety Training, Sea Survival, Advanced Rescue Training, Enhanced First Aid, and Basic Technical Training. Furthermore, practical field exercises are arranged to provide trainees with deep insights into real-world wind farm O&M environments.
Chen Wei-ku, President of the Changhua Fishermen’s Association, stated: "This is a rare and invaluable talent cultivation initiative for our local community. It not only offers full subsidies for training courses that meet international standards but also grants the certifications necessary to enter the wind energy sector. This program opens doors for fishermen, their children, and young generation aspiring to join the green energy sector, enabling them to participate in a highly promising international emerging industry. We warmly welcome enthusiastic members of the public to sign up."
Mikko Simula, Operations EVP of the Hai Long Offshore Wind Project, said: "The construction of the Hai Long Project is progressing well, and the wind farm is expected to enter full commercial operations next year. The operation of offshore wind farms requires a long-term and stable influx of talent. By joining forces with the Changhua Fishermen’s Association and IOG Wind, we are expanding Hai Long Project's commitment to local talent cultivation. We look forward to supporting both industrial development and local community growth through concrete actions."
Cultivating the Next Generation of Wind Power Professionals: IOG Wind Pledges Guaranteed Interview Opportunities
Beyond providing certification training, all trainees who complete the "Wind Farm O&M Technician Training Course" and obtain their certificates will be guaranteed interview opportunities with IOG Wind. This paves the way for roles such as wind farm O&M technicians or offshore vessel support personnel, effectively converting training outcomes into tangible career development paths.
Ethan Wang, General Manager of IOG Wind, remarked: "The Hai Long Project is the first long-term service contract secured by IOG Wind since becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the International Ocean Group (IOG) in 2023. IOG Wind will be responsible for integrating the long-term O&M work for the Balance of Plant (BoP), providing crucial support for stable operations. As a homegrown Taiwanese O&M team, we are honored to build an international-standard platform for local talent through this collaboration. We look forward to working side-by-side with more outstanding local professionals in future O&M operations to jointly safeguard the wind farms standing in the Taiwan Strait."
The "2026 Fishers Training Program" not only underscores Hai Long Project’s commitment to cultivating local talent but also actively puts the spirit of "local co-prosperity" into practice. Through professional training, practical exercises, and interview matchmaking, the initiative helps local fishermen and youth secure international maritime and wind power certifications, directly aligning them with the manpower needs of the offshore wind operational phase. This collaboration deeply integrates traditional maritime skills with the wave of energy transition, enabling more talent to participate in green energy development and share the opportunities and achievements brought by the industry.
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Media Contact
Hai Long Offshore Wind
Sammy Chen, Deputy Public Relations Manager
+886-900-841-626 / Sammy.Chen@hailongoffshorewind.com
