TIPC Pushing Offshore Wind-Farm Development Forward in Four Key Aspects, Pursuing Diverse Business Strategy
In support of national government policies, Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) is pursuing offshore wind-farm development programs in four key aspects. These include creating bases for wind-turbine component assembly and storage, creating wind-power localization zones, creating turbine operation and maintenance (O&M) bases, and organizing and conducting training for professionals in the wind farm sector. The Port of Taichung, designated by the Executive Yuan as a home port for wind-farm-related operations, has earmarked heavy cargo Wharf Nos. 2, 5A, 5B, and 36 and adjacent port land for wind-turbine component assembly and storage operations. Of these, Wharf 5A and Wharf 5B, respectively, are currently being used to support work on the offshore Changhua Demonstration wind farm site and offshore Yunlin Wind Farm Project.
In terms of wind-power localization, heavy cargo Wharf 106 is currently used to ship and receive wind-turbine related components and parts. Moreover, the port's Second Industrial Park is actively recruiting firms working to localize the production of these components, with rotor-hub maker Yeongguan, rotor-blade maker Tien Li Offshore Wind Technology, turbine tower and transition piece (TP) maker Century Iron & Steel, and nacelle assembly specialist Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy already moved in as anchor residents of the park. These firms, in collaboration with firms based around Taipei Port Wharf S09 and at the Port of Kaohsiung and Xingda Port, are building a comprehensive wind-turbine production and supply chain network fully able to support the development of Taiwan's offshore wind farms - from foundational seabed support structures all the way up to wind turbine units. TIPC will remain a strong partner in helping the nation develop a highly capable team of companies expert in wind-turbine manufacturing.
In terms of O&M bases, the Port of Taichung already provides land-based O&M platforms as well as sea-based transportation and support services. In addition, Budai Port to the south of Taichung has leased berths and storage facilities that are now used in support of the Yunlin Wind Farm Project.
Finally, in terms of training, Taiwan International Windpower Training Corp. Ltd. (TIWTC) operates a training center at the Port of Taichung. TIWTC hold GWO certification and is the only center in Taiwan certified to provide basic technical training (BTT) courses. During the first 10 months of 2020, the center has held 50 GWO basic safety training (BST) course sessions and issued over 2,000 qualification certificates.
Beyond these four key aspects, TIPC is continuing to diversify its overall operations. To meet the special needs of storing and transporting wind-turbine components and assemblies, which tend to be ‘super long, super wide, and super heavy’, TIPC will establish TIPC Heavy Industries Corporation to handle the bulk of related lifting and transportation services at TIPC subsidiary ports. Looking ahead, TIPC will continue to provide exceptional basic infrastructure support and facilities for Taiwan's offshore wind farms. TIPC's diverse business strategy is well tuned to supporting the smooth, successful growth of offshore wind farm business and to providing a steady platform advancing national green-energy development goals.
Provided by：New Business Venture Department, TIPC
Contact Person：Irene Tang, Senior Director
Telephone No.：07-2136954
E-mail Address：irenetang@twport.com.tw