The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) will host a hybrid conference/webinar to discuss offshore renewable energy opportunities in Ireland next month.

The conference will bring together representatives from across Ireland’s maritime workforce and supply chain, including Damien Turner from the Castletownbere-based Southern and Western Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation.

He will talk about the coexistence of offshore renewable energies with the fishing industry.

The conference will specifically seek to highlight the qualifications and certifications of the fishing industry to ensure it is fit for the dual purpose of keeping fishermen fishing, while simultaneously ensuring that seafarers and infrastructure of our coastal communities are best placed to contribute to and benefit from this developing maritime industry.

Captain Brian Fitzgerald of event sponsor Simply Blue said: “As Ireland struggles to meet the challenges of climate change and fishing communities grapple with an unknown future, renewable energy developments offshore will be much more likely to provide a sustainable future for all, if the solutions are co-created. Ireland need their best team on the pitch.

Cormac Gebruers, College Principal, NMCI, added: “We hope the event will awaken Irish seafarers to an exciting and co-existing future which sees a thriving and growing fishing industry working in harmony with Ireland to achieve its goals. climate action.”

The conference takes place on Friday, March 4.