EMEC has become a member of the non-profit Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association (NaMICPA). The centre’s Commercial Director, Oliver Wragg, signed up to the association during a marine energy trade mission to Japan in March, the intention being to keep Scottish companies up to date with developments in the Japanese renewable energy market. It will also enable EMEC to assess market opportunities in the region and meet key companies in the industry.
The Third Offshore Renewables Mission to Japan was organised by Scottish Development International (SDI) and saw Scottish companies meet with key Japanese government organisations as well as some of the country’s largest companies, including Kawasaki and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Business-to-business meetings and a networking reception were held at the British Embassy on 24th March, followed by a seminar on the marine industry in Nagasaki on 27th March and the week culminated in EMEC signing up as a supporting member to NaMICPA.
“International collaboration is vital for the development of the marine renewables industry” said Mr Wragg.
“Only by working with other countries can we ensure that there is a global market available for clients testing their pioneering devices in Scotland, so we are delighted to become members of NaMICPA to help support the Nagasaki Prefecture, and Japan in general, in the pursuit of a sustainable energy mix.”
Mr. Toshiyuki Sakai, President of NaMICPA, added that the association has been set up to promote the marine industry in Nagasaki, supporting businesses within the prefecture via a network of industry, academia and government, as well as international stakeholders. He said that EMEC is a leading global test centre and that its membership will provide the association with a depth of knowledge that will support the development of marine renewables in Japan.
Mr. Takaaki Morita, Director of the Marine Industry Development Office at the Industry and Labour Department, Nagasaki Prefectural Government, explained that NaMICPA will help to clear the path for firms to enter the industry by starting a broad-based alliance with relevant players at home and abroad.
For additional information:
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)
Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association (NaMICPA)
