- Spain’s first offshore wind auction set for 2026, targeting 3,000 MW by 2030.
- PORT-EOLMAR programme injects €212M to adapt ports like Ferrol, Bilbao, and Algeciras.
- Merchant mariners with STCW can transfer via GWO certifications, earning €150-300/day.
Spain is preparing to launch its first offshore wind auction in 2026, aiming for 3,000 MW installed capacity by 2030. However, the real question is who will operate these wind farms. The answer lies with merchant mariners holding STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certifications. By obtaining GWO (Global Wind Organisation) credentials, they can directly transition into this emerging sector. Suardiaz, a Spanish logistics firm, has already strengthened its offshore wind services, highlighting the growing demand.
Context and Background
Unlike northern Europe, Spain has seen minimal offshore wind development until now. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) changes that, with the 2026 auction as the starting gun. The PORT-EOLMAR programme, funded by NextGenEU, provides €212 million to upgrade ports such as Ferrol, Bilbao, and Algeciras for wind farm logistics. Over 330 companies are part of Spain’s offshore wind value chain, according to the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE).
In-Depth Technical Analysis
What is GWO and Why Is It Mandatory?
GWO sets training standards for wind industry workers, both onshore and offshore. Its certifications are mandatory for accessing any European offshore wind farm. Key modules include:
- BST (Basic Safety Training): covers first aid, fire fighting, working at heights, and sea survival. Duration: 5 days. Cost: €1,200–€1,800.
- BTT (Basic Technical Training): covers mechanics, electrical, hydraulics, and turbine control systems. Duration: 10 days. Cost: €2,500–€3,500.
- Specialised: personnel transfer (gangway, vessels), height rescue, and specific equipment training.
A merchant mariner with STCW already has maritime safety training—sea survival and fire fighting—which can be credited against BST modules, reducing time and cost. For instance, STCW sea survival modules closely match GWO’s, though focused on vessels rather than turbines. Savings of 1–2 days and €400–€600 are possible.
Bridging the Training Gap
The main shortfall for merchant mariners is technical knowledge: electrical, mechanical, and turbine control systems. BTT covers these areas. Additionally, maritime experience in manoeuvring, safety, and teamwork is highly valued. Companies like Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and RWE actively seek those comfortable in marine environments.
Concrete Operational Implications
For a deck or engine officer, the shift entails moving from a ship to a platform or fixed wind farm. Tasks include:
- Crew transfer operations: managing crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to ferry technicians to turbines.
- Component logistics: overseeing loading/unloading of blades, towers, and nacelles at port and offshore.
- Infrastructure maintenance: inspecting structures, mooring systems, and subsea cables.
Salaries reflect specialisation. A GWO-certified officer can earn €150–€250 per day in the European market, while a specialised technician can reach €300/day. In Spain, rates are €120–€200/day but rising due to demand and scarce certified profiles.
Impact on the Labour Market
Spain’s offshore wind sector is expected to generate 7,000–10,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. Most sought-after profiles include:
- Maintenance technicians with GWO BTT (highest demand).
- Deck officers with offshore support vessel experience.
- Port logistics coordinators familiar with wind components.
- Safety inspectors holding both STCW and GWO.
Spanish firms like Suardiaz, Boluda, and Naviera Armas are already recruiting dual-certified staff. European shipping companies (Maersk Supply Service, Bourbon, Edison Chouest) actively seek merchant mariners for offshore wind roles.
Macro Context
Offshore wind is a priority in the EU’s energy strategy. REPowerEU targets 300 GW installed by 2050. Spain, with its long coastline and port capacity, is well positioned, though development has lagged. The 2026 auction and PORT-EOLMAR aid are the catalysts needed. GWO is the de facto standard in Europe; any worker at an offshore wind farm must hold it. Competition is strong, but the pool of STCW-certified mariners is limited, creating a window for early adopters.
Outlook
Spain’s offshore wind job market is at the starting line. By 2027, with the first auction awards, demand for certified technicians and officers will surge. Merchant mariners who invest now in GWO certifications (€3,000–€5,000 total for BST+BTT) will be in prime position. Training is available in Spain at centres like Windar, Siemens Gamesa, and Cesvimap, and STCW module exemptions reduce costs. The advice: if you’re a deck or engine officer looking to diversify, offshore wind offers a real, well-paid future. However, each individual should research and assess training investment risks.
Editorial Note: This article has been professionally adapted from Spanish to British English
for the WishToSail.com international maritime audience. Original article published at
QuieroNavegar.app.
