Ireland’s Maritime College Prepares to Support Offshore Renewable Energy Growth

Ireland’s National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is gearing up to support the nation’s surge in offshore wind energy projects as part of its ambitious target to generate 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Dr. Paul Hegarty, overseeing the NMCI, is leading the college towards becoming a pivotal player in this transformative phase. With a focus on training the maritime workforce of the future, the college is developing new courses and collaborating with industry partners to ensure a skilled workforce is ready to navigate the significant expansion in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the NMCI offers a wide array of academic and professional maritime courses and hosts a research center involved in EU-funded projects, primarily focusing on maritime infrastructure security. As Ireland gears up for seven offshore wind energy projects, the NMCI is considering expansion, including satellite education facilities on Ireland’s east and west coasts. The college is also exploring training programs for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) pilots, crucial for maintaining the subsurface network of offshore wind farms, highlighting the growing interconnection between the maritime and renewable energy sectors.

With his background in the Irish Defence Forces and as a former ship commander, Hegarty envisions the NMCI playing an instrumental role in the maritime and offshore energy sectors, steering Ireland towards a cleaner, greener future.

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