Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by PALFINGER
PALFINGER MARINE already maintains a sprawling network of sales and service centers, as well as two production sites that cover the entire product portfolio, across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Given recent orders for the Taiwan offshore wind industry, it became clear that an office in the country would enable us to serve our local customers even better. In addition, PALFINGER MARINE has finalized a training collaboration in Taiwan to improve safety standards for crane operators. The increased presence will be reflected by our attendance at Energy Taiwan 2023. We sat down to discuss recent developments with Ji Tang, Service Execution Director APAC at PALFINGER MARINE.
PALFINGER MARINE has successfully managed to establish a presence in the APAC region, which is continuously gaining in importance for our global operations. The main office for the APAC markets is located in Singapore, with additional offices in China, Japan, and Vietnam. The recent emergence of the offshore wind industry in Taiwan, reflected in an increase in orders for PALFINGER MARINE, made clear that it would be beneficial for all parties to establish a new office in the country.
Welcome to Taiwan
“The new PALFINGER MARINE office in Taichung City, Taiwan, was officially opened in February 2023,” Ji explains. This big step was made possible by a recent influx of business in the country. “We were, for example, asked to provide 20 cranes for the second phase of Taiwan’s first offshore wind farm Formosa 1 Phase 2, which went into operation in 2019. In 2021, we were selected as a lifting solutions partner for the Greater Changhua 1 & 2a offshore wind farms,” he adds. In line with the company’s proactive, hands-on approach to customer relations and service, the PALFINGER MARINE Taiwan office was the next logical step. It not only constitutes a clear message in terms of market presence, but also in terms of on-site support.
Our Taiwan office is the new home to lead engineers and coordinators, allowing us to offer our renowned services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Ji Tang, Service Execution Director APAC at PALFINGER MARINE
“The new office means that we no longer need to route service and maintenance requests via neighboring countries.” Our new premises in Taiwan also help create a more positive work culture for on-site employees, providing workshops, conference space, and even accommodation for those who reside further away.
Training collaboration with TIWTC
Speaking of long-term partnerships, the official opening of the new PALFINGER MARINE Taiwan office coincided with the launch of our new training program in collaboration with Taiwan International Windpower Training Corporation (TIWTC). The organization, a joint venture established in 2018, aims to set international standards for safety training and emergency procedures devised by the Global Wind Organization (GWO). As an industry pioneer in terms of operator safety, PALFINGER MARINE saw an opportunity to translate its involvement in every step of the offshore wind energy process into customer-centric coaching courses.
The crane operator training plans for TIWTC were first developed in 2019. Negotiations about equipping TIWTC with PALFINGER MARINE cranes continued between 2020 and 2022, with the first official training within the framework of the collaboration commencing in 2023. “The first sessions were well received by the end users to attend. The lessons have since helped first-time crane operators to become more confident and understand all safety procedures before heading out to the open sea. This truly re-emphasizes our commitment to regional excellence and safety,” Ji says.
PALFINGER MARINE at Energy Taiwan
To underscore our dedication to the Taiwanese market and our local customers, PALFINGER MARINE will attend Energy Taiwan, which takes place from the 18th to 20th of October 2023. The trade show is a major industry event boasting 20,000 visitors, 250 exhibitors, 1,000 booths, and nine international forums – all attended by representatives from 50 countries across the globe. We couldn’t think of a better way to meet our customers and partners in the region face-to-face at booth K0425. If you are interested in more information or booking a personal meeting with our PALFINGER experts at the trade show, follow the link to the registration area.
Energy Taiwan is known as one of the leading international trade fairs for the green energy industry, to which PALFINGER MARINE provides cranes, lifesaving appliances, winches, lifting and handling equipment, and more. Our redesigned fixed boom crane range, for example, represents our response to the latest safety requirements of the global offshore wind industry. Visit our booth to find out more from our experts.
PALFINGER MARINE is excited about opening a new chapter of growth in the APAC region by opening its new office in Taiwan. This is just the beginning of a wonderful customer and partner relationship, defined by shorter routes and swifter response times. We can’t wait to meet you, either at the office in Taichung City or at Energy Taiwan.