A study commissioned by the New York State Economic Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has identified opportunities for mariners to supplement their income in US offshore wind.
The study, compiled by Renewables Consulting Group (RCG), concluded that as the offshore wind industry grows, the option for mariners to supplement their income will become available during all phases of a project’s lifecycle.
Based on current north eastern US offshore wind commitments alone, the study shows that offshore wind can support 2600 job years of supplemental work for fishermen and other mariners.
The vast experience of the north eastern maritime industry is well-known and interested mariners should be considered for jobs in this growing industry, said RCG.
“Fisherman and other mariners already possess the skills that will be essential in building out the emerging US offshore wind industry,” said RCG principal Emily Kuhn.
“With minimal training needed to close gaps and transfer knowledge, recruiting these fishermen and mariners to assist with projects can benefit all sides. Not only will mariners have access to supplemental jobs and income, but the offshore wind industry will have increased access to a local, talented workforce.”
Fishermen have already been hired for liaison positions, and fishing vessels are currently being used for surveys, for scientific data collection, and as scout vessels to prevent conflict between offshore wind activities and vessel traffic or fishing gear.
The study is based on the procurement schedules of states in the north-east (New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts) as well as data from RCG’s Global Renewable Infrastructure Projects database (GRIP).
Jobs that employ entire vessels in the offshore wind industry “align well” with the vessels specs in the New York Bight and include fish surveys, mammal and bird surveys, safety vessels, scout vessels and charter fishing, sight-seeing, and tourism.
The analysis found that jobs that employ entire vessels comprise most of the supplemental work available.
This type of work may be particularly appealing to local vessel owners/operators because they would be more likely to keep captains, crews, and vessels together without removing talented crew from their vessels.