Hai Long Partners with Changhua Fishermen's Association to Launch 2026 Fishermen Career Transition Training Program

The Hai Long Offshore Wind Project, jointly developed by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan, Northland Power Inc. of Canada, and Gentari International Renewables Pte. Ltd. of Malaysia, held the "2026 Fishermen Transition Training Program Launch Ceremony and Information Session" in Changhua on June 16.

In collaboration with the Changhua Fishermen's Association, the Hai Long Project is introducing a series of professional training programs designed to help local fishermen, fishermen's family members, and young people obtain maritime and offshore wind-related certifications. In addition to fully subsidizing training, accommodation, and transportation costs, the project has partnered with local O&M service provider IOG Wind to offer participants interview opportunities and hands-on practical training.

With the Hai Long wind farm expected to enter its long-term operational phase next year, the project aims to create broader career pathways and development opportunities for local talent in Changhua through structured training and career-transition support.

The program comprises 2 core training initiatives: the "STCW Basic Safety Refresher Training Program" and the "Wind Farm Operations and Maintenance Technician Training Program", delivered respectively by the Chinese Maritime Safety Training Center (CMSTC) and the Taiwan International Windpower Training Corporation (TIWTC).

The STCW refresher course is designed for fishermen holding valid seafarer books, enabling them to fulfill retraining requirements under international maritime conventions while strengthening critical competencies such as firefighting, fire prevention, and sea survival. The program allows participants to build on their existing maritime expertise while enhancing career flexibility.

The Wind Farm Operations and Maintenance Technician Training Program incorporates a series of professional training modules accredited by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and has been developed in alignment with the actual workforce requirements and qualification criteria of the Hai Long wind farm's O&M contractors. The curriculum includes Basic Safety Training (BST), Slinger Signaller (SLS), Advanced Rescue Training (ART), Enhanced First Aid (EFA), and Basic Technical Training (BTT). Practical exercises are also included to provide participants with hands-on experience and a realistic understanding of offshore wind O&M working environments.

Wei-Ku Chen, Secretary-General of the Changhua Fishermen's Association, stated that the initiative represents a rare and valuable talent development opportunity for the local community. By fully subsidizing internationally recognized training programs, participants can obtain industry-relevant certifications that serve as important credentials for entering the offshore wind sector. He added that fishermen, their family members, and young people interested in pursuing careers in the green energy industry can leverage this opportunity to access a fast-growing international industry with strong long-term prospects, and he encouraged interested individuals to apply.

Mikko Simula, Executive Vice President of Operations of the Hai Long Offshore Wind Project, noted that project construction is progressing steadily and that the wind farm is expected to commence commercial operations next year. He emphasized that offshore wind operations require a long-term and stable workforce, making this collaboration with the Changhua Fishermen's Association and IOG Wind an important step in expanding Hai Long's talent development efforts. He further stated that Hai Long is committed to ensuring that industrial development and local community growth advance hand in hand, thereby fostering shared prosperity.

Yi-Jen Wang, General Manager of IOG Wind, said that the Hai Long Project is the first long-term service contract undertaken by IOG Wind since becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of International Ocean Group in 2023. Under the agreement, IOG Wind will be responsible for coordinating the long-term operations and maintenance of the wind farm's Balance of Plant (BoP) assets, providing critical support for the facility's reliable and efficient operation.

Participants who successfully complete the Wind Farm Operations and Maintenance Technician Training Program and obtain the relevant certifications will be offered interview opportunities with IOG Wind, enabling them to pursue career opportunities as O&M technicians or offshore operations support personnel.

【About Hai Long Offshore Wind Project 】
The Hai Long Offshore Wind Project is located approximately 45 to 70 kilometers off the coast of Changhua County, in waters with depths ranging from 35 to 60 meters. The project comprises the Hai Long 2 and Hai Long 3 offshore wind farms and is jointly developed by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Northland Power Inc., and Gentari International Renewables Pte. Ltd.
With a total installed capacity exceeding 1 GW, the Hai Long Project will provide stable and clean renewable electricity to more than one million Taiwanese households once fully operational, making a significant contribution to Taiwan's energy transition and renewable energy goals.

Source: Hai Long Offshore Wind