Page 43: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2023)

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INSIGHTS LOGISTICS

All images: GAC Ship Agency minimized the need for technical experts and diving ing to project equipment and labor shortages caused by teams to operate in high-risk situations. global supply chain squeezes, developers need to care-

USVs enable operations and maintenance players to col- fully plan ahead and seek the right support during early lect on-site data to aid faster and smarter decision-making. stages, particularly since these projects can take several

Information gathered related to weather patterns, water years to materialize.

currents, seabed conditions and more are valuable when planning other offshore wind farm projects.

Strengthening support

GAC opened a new offce at Taichung Port in Taiwan in November 2022 to strengthen offshore operations

Operational Challenges

Since the Changhua wind farm project began in 2018, support for projects like Greater Changhua. GAC Tai- it has faced a number of operational challenges. First, de- wan draws on the Group’s global experience from other velopers have had to meet Taiwan’s local content require- offshore projects to deliver world-class services to the ments for the use of the country’s supply chain, manufac- country’s burgeoning offshore energy sector. turing industry and regional labor. Taichung port has undergone a number of infrastruc-

Second, the Taiwan Strait is prone to severe weather ture upgrades, including tailor-made wharves and new conditions which pose diffculties and delays for con- quays to support both pre-construction and under-con- struction of offshore wind farms. Taking typhoon seasons struction offshore wind farms off Taiwan’s west coast. into account, developers only have a six-month window GAC provides offshore support, in addition to ship to carry out installation projects. agency and husbandry services, barge and tug support,

To overcome these challenges, as well others relat- crew transportation and emergency response: all vital

MAY/JUNE 2023 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 43