Offshore charging pilot project targets wind sector

Maersk subsidiary, Stillstrom, and cable technology companies, Faber Group and Prysmian, have launched a pilot project aimed at enabling hybrid and electric vessels to connect to clean power at offshore wind installations. A first trial, scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year in Esbjerg, Denmark, is expected to reveal how carbon emissions, noise, and potential pollution can be limited by low-maintenance infrastructure.  

The companies said that service operation vessels (SOVs) account for a high share of carbon emissions at offshore wind farms. The vessels spend long periods on site and make repeated trips to shore for refuelling. But the new technology will enable the SOVs to remain on station, cut emissions by reducing fuel consumption, and maximise time on station.

Standard products, however, cannot withstand the challenges relating to offshore operations. These include a saline environment, stress, temperature variation, and strict safety standards. Faber Group and Prysmian, however, have developed a bespoke power and cable system to facilitate safe cable transmission between offshore installations and SOVs.

Commenting on the project, Stillstrom CEO, Kristian Borum Jørgensen, said: “This close collaboration brings together our collective innovations and industry expertise to accelerate the transition to cleaner maritime operations and sets new standards for offshore decarbonisation. By doing so, we help the industry tackle one of its most pressing challenges: cutting emissions from offshore vessel activities. Together, we are delivering safe, reliable power between offshore charging systems and vessels – reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.”