Dong Fang Offshore has partnered with Apex Aviation to establish Taiwan’s first self-operated offshore wind helicopter fleet.
The company today announced the completion of its capital investment in Apex Aviation as it officially launched its upgraded offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) initiative.
This initiative marks the first introduction of an integrated sea-air operational system.
The aim is to boost maintenance capabilities and emergency responsiveness, delivering faster and more efficient technical support.
As offshore wind turbines along Taiwan’s western coast continue to enter commercial operation, the demand for rapid-response and high-efficiency maintenance is growing.
Leveraging the swift deployment capabilities of helicopters, Dong Fang Offshore will carry out a wide range of tasks, including personnel transport, emergency medical evacuation, equipment inspection, and maintenance.
These services will complement existing vessel-based operations to improve responsiveness, safety, and overall operational efficiency.
Dong Fang Offshore chief executive Polin Chen said: “We are committed to developing breakthrough solutions.
“With Taiwan now ranked fifth globally in offshore wind turbine installations, a well-developed and efficient logistics support system will be a key competitive advantage for the industry.
“The launch of this integrated sea-air maintenance model, which has been two years in the making, will open a new chapter for Taiwan’s offshore wind O&M sector.”
Through the collaboration with Apex Aviation, Dong Fang Offshore will integrate aviation expertise with offshore maintenance experience, accelerating the development of a unified sea-air O&M platform.
The first helicopter is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of this year.