Over 2,000 commercial divers are needed to meet the demands of the European offshore wind sector, with 500 likely to be required mainly in the UK and Germany during the installation phase according to a report released this week from The Underwater Centre.
The study, which was carried out by energy analysts Douglas Westwood, commissioned by subsea training provider, The Underwater Centre in Fort William, said that more than 2,200 commercial divers will be needed to help build and develop the sector as it “rapidly expands”. The Underwater Centre said the findings of the report ‘underlines the integral role that commercial divers will play in the offshore wind farm sector.’
British subsea industry body Subsea UK claims it highlights the growing need for skills right across the energy industry.
Subsea UK chief executive, Alistair Birnie, commented: “There is a growing and urgent need for skills right across the energy industry which this report clearly underlines. We cannot rely on our existing pool of resources to support the massive growth rate and the only way we will succeed is if we invest in the right skills at the right time.
“This report highlights divers as being one of the pressure areas which also includes skills such as engineers and technicians. Attracting new blood into the industry, combined with the energy industry working together to consolidate existing resources, is essential if we are to address the demand for skills now and in the future.”
