Renewable energy shipping is rapidly transforming the maritime industry as nations around the world shift their focus toward clean energy. Wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) play a critical role in this transition, acting as the foundation for offshore wind farms that power millions of homes sustainably.

With increasing demand for clean electricity, countries like Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and even India are expanding their offshore wind infrastructure. This has created a new wave of career opportunities in renewable energy shipping, particularly aboard wind turbine installation vessels at Skillsstation. Cadets are not just trained for traditional seafaring roles; they are also guided towards emerging maritime sectors like renewable energy shipping.

What Are Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs)?

Wind turbine installation vessels are purpose-built ships used to transport, lift, and install wind turbine components at offshore wind farms. These vessels are typically equipped with:

Jack-up legs to stabilise in deep waters
High-lift cranes for installing heavy turbine parts
Dynamic positioning systems for accurate placement
Accommodations for specialised offshore crews

With operations growing worldwide, WTIVs have become essential assets in the renewable energy shipping ecosystem.

Why Choose a Career in Renewable Energy Shipping?

Pursuing a career in renewable energy shipping offers several unique advantages:

High Demand & Job Security

Offshore wind energy is expanding rapidly. Governments are investing billions in green energy, ensuring long-term job stability.
Lucrative Salaries

Due to the complexity and technical nature of the job, WTIV crew members often earn higher-than-average pay.
Innovative Work Environment

Cutting-edge technology, environmental focus, and international exposure make this field intellectually rewarding.
Contributing to Sustainability

A career that helps reduce carbon emissions while advancing maritime engineering.

Key Roles on Wind Turbine Installation Vessels

Here are several positions available for those interested in renewable energy shipping:

1. Deck Officers

Responsible for navigation, cargo handling, and maintaining shipboard safety. On WTIVs, they also coordinate installation timelines with offshore project teams.

2. Marine Engineers

Manage propulsion systems and onboard machinery. In WTIVs, engineers must also understand hydraulic and lifting systems used in turbine deployment.

3. Crane Operators

Specialised crew trained to handle 1,000+ ton cranes used for lifting blades, nacelles, and towers.

4. DP Operators

Ensure dynamic positioning systems keep the vessel stable during complex operations in deep waters.

5. Wind Installation Technicians

Crew who physically assemble and maintain turbine components—this role blends maritime duties with technical renewable energy tasks.

Each of these roles contributes to the broader goal of powering the world through clean, sustainable energy, making renewable energy shipping a career with purpose.

Required Certifications & Skills

To work aboard WTIVs in the renewable energy shipping domain, candidates must meet specific requirements:

STCW Certification (mandatory for all maritime jobs)
Dynamic Positioning Certification (for navigational roles)
BOSIET/HUET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training)
Wind Technician Training (for turbine assembly)
Strong grasp of safety, teamwork, and technical documentation

At Skillsstation, students receive full guidance on acquiring these certifications, along with mock assessments and interview training to succeed in placement rounds.

Top Companies Hiring for WTIV Operations

Many global maritime and energy giants are recruiting for renewable energy shipping roles, including:

Van Oord
DEME Group
Seajacks
Ørsted Offshore
Siemens Gamesa
Vestas
Fred. Olsen Windcarrier

India is also stepping up with players like ONGC and Suzlon exploring offshore wind capacities, creating local opportunities for seafarers trained in WTIV operations.

Training at Skillsstation for Renewable Energy Shipping

Skillsstation has identified the renewable energy sector as a key growth area in maritime employment. The institute offers:

Orientation on wind turbine systems and offshore power
Practical training in safety drills, lifting operations, and dynamic positioning
Assistance with global certification pathways
Placement partnerships with companies engaged in renewable energy shipping

This focused curriculum ensures Skillsstation cadets are among the first to benefit from the growing global shift to offshore wind energy.

Challenges and Rewards of the Job

While rewarding, careers in renewable energy shipping also come with their share of challenges:

Long stints at sea
Unpredictable weather in offshore regions
Demanding safety protocols
Coordination with multinational teams

However, the emotional and financial rewards, as well as the opportunity to support a greener planet, make it a fulfilling choice for modern-day seafarers.

Conclusion

As the world transitions to cleaner sources of power, the maritime industry is leading the charge through renewable energy shipping. Wind turbine installation vessels are at the forefront of this change, creating diverse, well-paying, and impactful career opportunities for seafarers. At Skillsstation, the Best merchant navy coaching institute, we prepare our students for the next frontier in maritime careers. With the right mix of training, exposure, and certification, you can be a part of a mission to harness the winds and change the future.

Rayyan Alam

11:55 27 Jun 24

I heard about Skill Station from a senior and decided to join. When I got to Dehradun, I was thrilled with the great faculty and environment. Amrinder Sir is amazing – his communication skills, style, and personality are top-notch. He's more than a teacher; he's like a friend, brother, and mentor. Joining Skill Station was the best decision I made. Unlike other places, Sir helps you until you get selected. Last year, I achieved a 5452 rank in IMUCET but didn't get any company sponsorship. However, Sir didn't leave me. He took care of us until we were selected and continued to guide us even after our selection. This year, with his guidance, I improved to a 4600 rank in IMUCET and got sponsored by ESM. Skill Station feels like a family. Thank you, Sir!

Abhinav Garwal

10:40 27 Jun 24

Thank you Team Skills Station!

For always guiding me.
For not only making a relationship as a teacher-student but also to make a bond like a family members.

Special thank to Amrinder Sir for not only helping and guiding us but also to treat us like an elder brother in our all the tough and difficult situation.

❤️Thank you to all the members of Skills Station team.
- Abhinav Garwal

aakarsh negi

08:22 27 Jun 24

One of the best institutes I have seen that not only has good results but also great management. When I joined this institute, I was a bit shy and was not able to speak in public, but now my personality has completely changed. I am confident and bold, and now I like to socialize even more. Because of the teachers and their guidance, I was able to score a good rank in IMU-CET and got sponsored by Anglo.

Kirti Mishra

08:21 27 Jun 24

I'm a student of skill station by Amrinder sir , I'm a type of student who scared to talk in front of crowd and have a lack of confidence , but after joining skill station family Amrinder sir taught me and helped me in every single step I improved my personality . Our faculties present over there are very supportive , friendly and kind hearted they always present there to help us wherever we need they motivate us to keep growing.One more thing from my side Amrinder sir's classes is not just for interview's it'll always help you further in your life how to stay , how to adjust and how to grow with limited resources. With skill station family I learnt a lot of things .
Thanks skill station family specially a great personality Amrinder sir 🙏

ARYAN KAMRA

08:14 27 Jun 24

Skills Station Is Best academy For The preparation of merchant Navy , all the teachers Are very helpful and Hardworking they have years of experience joining skills station is one of my best decision I have ever taken in my life, Specially Amrinder Sir Who helped us in every situation we have faced during Our exams or interviews thank You to all the whole team of Skills Station Family because of you I Have secured Good Rank in Imucet I highly recommend new Comers please join Skills Station.

Deepika Rohilla

07:01 26 Jun 24

This is the best institute for Merchant Navy and Communication skills. Amrinder Sir helped me to gain confidence to clear the interviews. He always focuses to develop our personality. I am more confidant and more skillful now.