Japan’s First Offshore Wind Power Training Facility Opens in Kitakyushu
Japan – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Hokutaku Co., Ltd. (Hokutaku) have announced the completion of Japan’s first training facility specializing in the practical operation and maintenance of offshore wind power generation. The new facility, located at Hokutaku’s Kyushu Branch, celebrated its opening today with a completion ceremony attended by local officials and industry stakeholders.
This state-of-the-art facility is the first in Japan to incorporate the use of the transition piece, a critical component that connects the foundation of an offshore wind turbine to its tower. This allows for realistic training that addresses the specific risks associated with offshore wind power generation. The training program will leverage Hokutaku’s expertise in maintenance and insights from European case studies, where offshore wind power is well established.
The completion ceremony included a demonstration of the training processes designed for electric power companies and the construction firms involved in building the facility. This demonstration showcased the facility’s comprehensive approach to preparing maintenance engineers for real-world scenarios.
Ryota Hayashi, President of Hokutaku, highlighted the facility’s significance, stating, “This training centre is a milestone in advancing Japan’s offshore wind power capabilities. By providing hands-on, risk-based training, we are ensuring that our workforce is equipped to safely and efficiently manage offshore wind power operations.”
The training courses at the facility are open not only to Hokutaku’s maintenance engineers but also to all professionals involved in offshore wind power maintenance. This inclusivity aims to foster the development of a skilled workforce capable of ensuring the long-term, reliable operation of offshore wind power plants.
Takeshi Hashimoto, President & CEO of MOL, emphasized the broader impact of the facility: “Our goal is to become the partner of choice across the entire offshore wind power value chain. By combining the strengths of MOL and Hokutaku, we are poised to significantly contribute to the growth of the offshore wind industry in Japan.”
The facility’s construction was part of the “Offshore Wind Power Human Resource Development Project,” subsidized by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for FY2022 and FY2023. Hokutaku served as the representative subsidizing company, with MOL as a participating subsidizing company.
MOL and Hokutaku plan to expand their offshore wind power generation business in Kitakyushu City, one of Japan’s leading areas for offshore wind power. This facility marks a significant step towards building a robust infrastructure for renewable energy in Japan, positioning the country as a competitive player in the global offshore wind power market.
