Redefining response supporting Taiwan’s offshore wind transition
OSRL supported the Hai Long Offshore Windfarm by delivering a full suite of preparedness services, applying oil spill expertise to strengthen environmental protection in offshore renewables.
Background
As the world accelerates towards renewable energy, offshore wind developments are expanding rapidly. The Hai Long Offshore Windfarm, located 45–70 km off Taiwan’s Changhua coast, is a flagship project in the region’s green energy shift. With a projected capacity of 1,022 MW, Hai Long reflects the growing demand for deepwater offshore wind projects, facilitated by innovations like floating turbines.
Though oil is not extracted or transported, offshore windfarms still carry pollution risks – primarily from construction and maintenance vessels. These risks, while smaller in scale than oil and gas operations, require the same disciplined approach to preparedness and environmental protection.
Context of OSRL’s involvement
In February 2023, OSRL was contracted by Hai Long to develop a comprehensive Marine Pollution Emergency Response Plan tailored for the construction phase. The project marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with preparedness activities taking place on-site, including workshops and training delivered in Taiwan’s Anping Port and the client’s Taipei office.
While operating in the renewable energy sector, Hai Long demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by prioritising comprehensive spill readiness measures. As a new member, Hai Long sought OSRL’s industry-leading spill response framework, recognising that our contingency planning and crisis management expertise are equally applicable in high-accountability environments, such as the renewable energy sector. OSRL was brought in to help navigate regulatory approvals, share best practices with local jurisdictional stakeholders, and embed readiness into the project’s DNA.
Main goals and priorities
- Develop a compliant, site-specific response plan and meet Taiwan OCA requirements.
- Bridge the gap between oil and gas spill preparedness, and the needs of the offshore renewables sector.
- Support Hai Long in obtaining environmental and operational permits.
- Provide hands-on training, exercises, and planning workshops to build in-country capability.
- Promote long-term readiness for Hai Long’s operation and maintenance phase.
Unique challenges
- Regulatory complexity: Gaining OSRP approval from Taiwan’s Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) involved multiple review cycles and deep engagement to align on expectations.
- Translating industry good practice: Adapting oil and gas spill response frameworks to fit the distinct risk profile of offshore renewables required thoughtful application and explanation.
- Low visibility risk: The main risk in offshore wind operations comes from vessel collision during construction whereby heavy traffic of vessels poses a threat during wind turbine installation. Because offshore wind operations involve refined oils in small volumes, the risk may be perceived as minor – but still necessitates a robust response capability.
Methodology – timeline
Contingency planning
A custom-built OSRP was developed and approved by local authorities, reflecting Hai Long’s specific operations, including vessel activities, potential pollutants, response strategy and resources, as well as environmental sensitivities in the Taiwan Strait.
Training workshops and equipment hire
OSRL supported Hai Long in understanding equipment needs and logistics for potential spill events. OSCP workshops, exercises and OSRE Commissioning training sessions were delivered on-site at An Ping Port and in Hai Long’s Taipei office, focusing on regulatory alignment and operational readiness.
Oil spill modelling
OSRL used modelling tools to support risk identification and scenario planning while building the contingency plan, allowing the OSRP to be created and updated with even further detail.
Results
- Hai Long has now secured OSRP approval from the OCA – a significant milestone in ensuring project compliance and environmental stewardship.
- OSRL’s approach helped demystify international response standards and embed them into a local renewable context.
- Hai Long is positioned to enter the construction phase with a clear, effective response framework and a stronger understanding of spill readiness.
Key learnings
- The energy transition introduces new types of environmental risks, requiring us to adapt our proven methods for new contexts.
- Building regulatory trust is critical. Success depends on early engagement and consistent, transparent dialogue.
- Due to the heavy traffic of installation vessels during operations, the risk is high and preparedness matters more than ever. Strong planning prevents small incidents from becoming reputational or regulatory crises.
Why choose OSRL?
Preparedness is more than a plan – it’s a mindset built on experience. At OSRL, we bring decades of real-world response knowledge from across the globe into every preparedness programme we deliver. From contingency planning, incident and crisis management, to training and response equipment, our integrated services work together to build a tailored, scalable preparedness strategy.
Whether you’re operating in oil and gas, renewables, or emerging fuels, our holistic approach ensures you’re ready to respond – confidently and effectively.
