Page 24: of Marine News Magazine (February 2023)

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Feature

Training & Education

Atlantic Wind Transfers

HELP

WANTED

B N IUILD A EW NDUSTRY

By Tom Ewing hen Atlantic offshore wind (OSW) proj- critical for the U.S. to achieve its huge national goal of ects move into high gear, they will kick- 30GW of OSW by 2030, just seven years from now.

start a series of impacts affecting almost This huge energy buildout presents challenges across the the entire East Coast economy, from lo- maritime sector. Workforce experts use the phrase “adja-

W gistics to transportation to utility projects and, of course, cent industries” when they discuss worker availability. It just about every aspect of port and maritime activities. means that wind energy companies are likely to recruit em-

The related topics of workforce development and em- ployees from more traditional maritime operations since ployment are among the fundamental issues being pushed constructing an offshore turbine is completely dependent and pulled by OSW. How workforce development and on maritime skills and expertise. Maritime employers al- education and training proceed – and succeed – will be ready face a tight labor market; recruitment is a constant 24 | MN February 2023