NYK to Establish Comprehensive Offshore Wind Power Training Center in Akita Prefecture

NYK, in collaboration with Nippon Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (Nippon Marine Enterprises), was chosen in a public offering for subsidised projects in the 2022 Subsidy for Offshore Wind Power Human Resource Development Project administered by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, a branch of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. 

Around fiscal 2024, NYK and Nippon Marine Enterprises will set up a comprehensive training centre for offshore wind power generation in Akita Prefecture and start training and developing human resources in this area.

The consortium will work with partner company Tohoku Electric Power Renewable Energy Service Co., Ltd. (Tohoku Electric Power RENES) and partner local governments in Akita Prefecture and Oga City on studies to get the training and development of human resources up and running. Approximately 1,000 trainees should finish the training course every year, according to the plan.

One of the industries that is projected to grow in the future is offshore wind power generation. Developments in several sea areas are planned in Akita Prefecture in compliance with Japan's Act Promoting Utilisation of Sea Areas in Development of Power Generation Facilities Using Maritime Renewable Energy Resources.

Offshore wind power generation in the Akita and Noshiro port areas is expected to begin commercial operation in 2022. The sea areas of Aomori, Yamagata, and Niigata prefectures, which are adjacent to Akita Prefecture, have been selected as "Promising Sea Areas," and future expansion of offshore wind power generation is expected.

To develop specialised human resources related to the offshore wind power generation business, it is necessary to develop infrastructures, such as training facilities for the personnel involved in the maintenance of offshore wind turbine facilities and the operation of offshore wind power generation workboats. The training centre of NYK and Nippon Marine Enterprises will meet the training needs of the wind power generation business and help people grow their skills.

This training centre will utilise facilities on the premises of Akita Prefectural Oga Marine High School, in addition to neighbouring facilities, and will be linked with onshore wind turbine maintenance training provided in Akita City by partner company Tohoku Electric Power RENES. The consortium will provide training for specialised workers and workboat crews supporting offshore wind power generation.

The consortium will also work with local governments and educational institutions to develop offshore human resources to grow offshore wind power generation businesses and develop human resources. 

Source: NYK

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