IWE and TIPC held a ceremony today (11) to mark the "Beam Raising and Quay Completion at Kaohsiung Intercontinental Port Phase 1 A6-B."

On September 11, Intercontinental Wind Energy (IWE) and Taiwan International Ports Co., Ltd. (TIPC) held a ceremony to mark the "Beam Raising and Quay Completion at Kaohsiung Intercontinental Port Phase 1 A6-B." IWE plays a pivotal role in the offshore wind foundation supply chain and is currently constructing a 200-meter indoor fabrication facility, complemented by a vast outdoor hinterland and a 1,500-ton rail-type gantry crane. This gantry crane, the largest of its kind in Taiwan, will travel a distance of nearly 1.2 KM, significantly enhancing local production capabilities.

Additionally, TIPC announced the completion of the A6-B quay designated for IWE's use. Upgraded by the Kaohsiung Port branch, the quay has a water depth of 13.5 meters and is intended for future use in Taiwan and APAC wind farm installations. The combination of a fully equipped fabrication area and a high-quality quay will significantly boost Taiwan's offshore wind energy sector.

Shi-Ming Liao, IWE's chairman

In 2021, IWE commenced the construction of a 400-meter-long fabrication facility in Pingtung, designated as a production line for offshore wind foundation components. IWE's vision extends beyond mere component production; the company has integrated the hinterland of Kaohsiung Quay 75 to facilitate the final assembly of pin piles. Recognizing the future trajectory of offshore wind turbines, with capacities increasing from 14 MW to 15 MW, IWE is well aware that the height of these foundations will soon approach 100 meters, with their weight reaching up to 2,000 tons.

To accommodate the growing demands for larger offshore wind foundations and the assembly needs for floating wind farms, IWE has invested in the Kaohsiung Intercontinental Port Phase 1 land. This investment includes the construction of an indoor fabrication workshop, the development of an outdoor hinterland for future storage and assembly, and the installation of a 1,500-ton rail-type crane. With a total investment of nearly NT$5 billion, the new production line is slated to commence operations in early 2025.

IWE hosted a beam-raising ceremony today at the Kaohsiung Port Intercontinental Phase 1 A6-B site, in collaboration with TIPC, to officially announce the completion of the Phase 1 A6-B quay. This caisson-constructed quay features a water depth of 13.5 meters and a tidal range of less than 1 meter. Designed as a heavy-load wharf, it accommodates both side and stern docking, making it well-suited for ship crane logistics and SPMT transportation. These features provide significant advantages for handling heavy offshore wind foundations and facilitate the transportation of offshore wind components to wind farms in Taiwan and across the Asia-Pacific region.

At the outset of IWE's establishment, the company positioned itself as a critical contributor to the nation's energy transition through a well-structured plan and steadily growing capabilities.

IWE's chairman, Shi-Ming Liao, stated, "The development of Taiwan's offshore wind industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of infrastructure, leading to inevitably high fixed costs. As a result, the production costs are elevated, and the quoted prices are higher compared to other countries. Overcoming the inherent environmental difficulties will require the collaborative efforts of both the government and the private sector. Encouraging public banks to participate in manufacturing and wind farm development investments is essential, enabling Taiwan's domestic industries to contribute to the country's GDP. As an island nation surrounded by mountains, Taiwan calls the sea its home. Blessed with one of the best offshore wind resources globally, we must approach this opportunity with caution and gratitude for the natural resources at our disposal. We also deeply appreciate the developers from various countries who are willing to invest in Taiwan's wind farms, bring advanced technology, and work collectively towards the sustainability of our island."

IWE further stated that the wind power industry operates on a 20 to 25-year cycle. Creating this sustainable cycle is part of IWE's vision, with the hope of passing the clean energy industry on to the next generation in Taiwan.

Energy OMNI

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