Introduction to MetOcean for Offshore Wind

Understand Ireland’s offshore wind potential through the lens of ocean and atmospheric data. Explore wind, wave, current, and temperature dynamics, extreme weather events, and key data sources—from buoys and weather stations to satellite and model-based datasets. Learn how to apply MetOcean insights to offshore wind development, including site assessment, risk analysis, and environmental integration, equipping you with essential tools for informed decision-making in the growing offshore wind energy sector.

Attendees of this course will gain knowledge in the following areas:

Overview of Offshore Wind in Ireland;
Data needs in support of Offshore Wind Development;
The context of MetOcean data and services in Ireland;
The characteristics of Wind, Vertical wind profiles, Turbulence intensity;
Wave conditions (Significant wave height, Wave period and direction, Swell vs. wind waves);
Currents, Tides and water levels;
Temperature and Salinity in the Ocean;
Extreme Events (storms, hurricanes, cold conditions);
Data Sources and tools (In-situ measurements from buoys, ADCPs, weather stations, remotely sensed measurements from satellites, numerical models, historical datasets and hindcasts);
Application to offshore wind projects (site suitability, assessments, risk and downtime analysis, MetOcean surveying, integration with engineering and environmental data).

This course will take place on Wednesdays from 9am-11am via blended delivery, with online and in-person attendance required. Students will undergo continuous assessment as part of this course.

Quantity	Duration	Type	Mode of Delivery
10	2 hours	Lectures	Online
1	1/2 day	Workshops	In Person

Skillnet Course Fee: €500
Full Course Fee: €900

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding the course fee is €900. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

A primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, as detailed above, plus at least 2 years’ experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied) as approved by the module coordinator on a case by case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applications will also be considered from graduates in other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.

Professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways

This course provides a strong foundation for a career as a Resource Analyst in the offshore wind sector. Resource Analysts play a critical role in project development by assessing wind resource data, conducting site feasibility studies, and supporting energy yield modelling. Their insights directly inform investment decisions and project design, making them a valuable asset in the successful delivery of offshore wind developments.

Study Progression

Upon completion of this course, learners can further develop their capabilities as a Resource Analyst in the offshore wind sector through a range of complementary micro-credentials, including:

Each course is designed to build specific technical and project-focused skills that align with the demands of resource analysis and broader offshore wind development roles.