Essex-based CWind, a leading provider of power cable and asset management services to the offshore renewables and utilities markets, has formed a joint venture in Taiwan.

The tie-up with International Ocean Vessel Technical Consultant (IOVTEC), a survey and crew transfer vessel service provider based in Taiwan, will be known as CWind Taiwan.

It will provide offshore wind farm training and support services to Taiwanese offshore wind farm developers and owners, with the partnership described as “a strong strategic fit, leveraging the two companies’ respective strengths”.

CWind, part of the Global Marine Group (GMG) which has its headquarters in Chelmsford, has already established National Wind Farm Training Centres (NWFTC) in the UK, operating from locations in Lowestoft and Barrow-in-Furness, close to major offshore wind energy developments off the coast of East Anglia and in Morecambe Bay.

NWFTC offers a comprehensive range of Global Wind Organisation (and RenewableUK accredited courses, including tower rescue, confined space operations, sea survival and response team training, and CWind Taiwan will adapt this model to help develop a core base of Taiwanese technicians.

Ian Douglas, chief executive of GMG, said that the launch of CWind Taiwan was “another bold step in the strategic growth” of the group.

“We believe the Taiwan offshore renewable market is on the cusp of exponential growth due primarily to the introduction of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, which seeks to increase the percentage of renewable energy contribution from 6% to 20% by 2025, he added.

CWind’s impressive track record around the world, combined with IOVTEC’s local insights, perfectly positions CWind Taiwan to play what we believe can be a significant role in shaping the future of Taiwan’s energy market.”

Vincent Tsai, chief executive of IOVTEC, added, “The formation of CWind Taiwan demonstrates our commitment to contributing to Taiwan’s long-term energy goals.

“Our new joint venture will help customers meet requirements to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. Partnering with such an experienced company presents a fantastic opportunity for IOVTEC and I look forward to working closely with the CWind team.”

Besides CWind, GMG has two other business units: Global Marine which provides fibre optic cable solutions to the telecommunications and oil and gas markets and Global Offshore which delivers trenching and power cable lay services to the oil and gas industry.