The 114-meter ship Wind Rider was launched by the Ministry of Education Feb. 26 from Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan, spotlighting government commitments to advancing hands-on training in maritime industries.
Built and delivered by the CSBC Corp., Taiwan, the ship’s design and construction align with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, the MOE said, adding that it is equipped with two simulated wheelhouses, along with simulator systems for navigation, turbines and high-voltage electricity.
The launch ceremony was hosted by Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao and Huang Cheng-hung, chair of CSBC Corp., Taiwan, the MOE said, adding that attendees included officials from 12 universities and colleges with connections to maritime fields, in addition to representatives of shipbuilding enterprises. Wind Rider then set sail for Tokyo to conduct a 13-day training project at sea, the ministry said, adding that the ship is expected acquaint more than 1,750 students with ship handling during around 10 voyages each year.
Wind Rider can also be used as a maritime education base in harbor, the MOE said. Organizing activities will strengthen the public understanding of the importance of maritime talent cultivation, the ministry added.
According to the MOE, the ship will not only help enhance students’ abilities in navigation and engine operations but will also deepen academic-industrial cooperation at home and abroad. Wind Rider will facilitate career development and enable access to global markets for rising talent from Taiwan, the ministry said, adding that it is committed to ongoing cultivation of maritime personnel to consolidate Taiwan’s competitiveness in the shipping industry. (YCH-E)
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