Four Taiwanese maritime firms form offshore wind services alliance

Four companies – CSBC Corp, Yang Ming Marine Transport, Taiwan Navigation and Taiwan International Port Corp (TIPC) – inked a memorandum of understanding as they seek to combine their capabilities in shipping and marine engineering.

The demand for marine services from the offshore wind energy sector is estimated to be valued at TWD30bn ($975m) annually.

The alliance will lend their expertise to provide towing and transport for components and materials used to build offshore wind turbines, as well as maintenance services for construction vessels, before tackling advanced vessel repairs, search and rescue operations, and personnel training, Taipei Times cited CSBC chairman Cheng Wen-lon as saying.

Yang Ming will train crew to transport oversized components on long-haul voyages, while Taiwan Navigation will offer its experience in towing and dockside operations.

TIPC will provide 47 vessels of various types and 409 crew to perform surveying, towing, lifting and maintenance duties at commercial ports in Taiwan. TIPC said it is due to take delivery of two 6,400 horsepower towing vessels to cater to demands for offshore wind projects.

The alliance added that a separate joint venture might be formed as they accumulate experience and build revenue streams through partnerships with foreign developers.