James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) has opened a new regional base in Taipei in support of Taiwan’s offshore wind projects.
JFMS, part of James Fisher and Sons plc, has delivered integrated marine solutions to a number of UK offshore wind farms including East Anglia ONE, London Array and Galloper. The company now aims to offer this experience to the 5.5GW offshore wind farm projects set for construction off the coast of Taiwan.
Fergus Graham , executive director at James Fisher and Sons plc, said: “The fact that we are opening up a support base in Taiwan demonstrates our commitment to the offshore wind sector, our willingness to invest in it and our plan to support some of the largest developers and asset owners in the industry. In doing so, we are looking forward to supporting the local supply chain, sharing best practice and developing local talent by providing new skills and training opportunities.”
JFMS has already supported de-burial and cable trenching projects in Taiwan, meaning it already has MFE equipment positioned in the country ready for mobilisation. It now plans to build a local team and establish itself as a member of the local supply chain, offering the breadth of services within the James Fisher group through a single interface to reduce the costs and risks linked with managing complex projects.
The company will initially recruit local service technicians to train in the UK alongside personnel in roles of specialised expertise.
Discussions have also taken place with local universities with a view to the company securing high-performing Taiwanese students for its ‘Future Leaders’ graduate scheme. JFMS will embed the successful candidates into the business in the UK, with a view to providing long-term roles in Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has embarked upon a power market transformation to phase out nuclear power and has set a target to add 25GW of renewable energy by 2025, including 5.5GW of offshore wind.