Offshore wind could power Europe's ports and ships, creating an electric shipping highway from the English Channel to the Baltic, says a new study.
Offshore windfarms could directly power ports and ships across Europe, creating an electric shipping highway from the English Channel to the Baltic, reports London's Riviera Maritime Media.
A study by Stillstrom, in collaboration with Maersk, Baltic Energy Island, and the Port of Roenne, outlined how ferries, cargo vessels, and offshore ships could draw electricity from windfarms to cut fossil fuel use, reduce emissions, and accelerate maritime electrification.
The whitepaper, titled 'Bornholm Energy Island: Powering Maritime Electrification,' demonstrated how offshore wind and grid infrastructure around Bornholm, Denmark, could serve as a blueprint for large-scale electrification. It estimated that 37,000 cargo vessels passing Bornholm each year consume three million tonnes of fuel and emit 10 million tonnes of CO2. Full electrification would require 17 TWh annually, replacing about EUR2 billion in fossil fuel imports with renewable power.
The report introduced Offshore Power Zones, where ships could access electricity at sea for hotel loads or battery charging. Combined with electrified ports, these zones could form an 'electric shipping highway' across Northern Europe.
Stillstrom Chief Executive Kristian Borum Jorgensen stated that electrification is the next frontier in Europe's energy transition, but power availability is the bottleneck. He urged early investment in offshore wind, transmission, and charging solutions, supported by strong policy frameworks such as EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.
Baltic Energy Island Chief Executive Soren Moller Christensen remarked that Bornholm could connect sectors traditionally planned separately, linking offshore wind, transmission, and maritime transport. He expressed hope that the study could inspire pilot projects in Denmark and similar solutions across Europe.
Port of Roenne Business Development Manager Maja Felicia Bendsen emphasized that electrification is as much about infrastructure and grid capacity as it is about vessels and batteries. She noted that combining operational experience with offshore power expertise could help Europe accelerate the transition to low-emission maritime transport.