In a landmark achievement for sustainable maritime operations, Belgian offshore wind energy company Parkwind has successfully installed the first electric charging station at sea. This pioneering system, deployed at the Nobelwind wind farm in the Belgian North Sea, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maintenance and transport vessels by enabling them to use locally generated green energy.
The innovative charging station allows vessels to connect to a charging cable and remain stationary while recharging, even in challenging sea conditions. The system supports Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) charging up to 2 MW and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) up to 8 MW. It can also supply offshore power to other conventional vessels on standby, dramatically reducing their reliance on diesel generators and associated emissions.
The system’s design includes several advanced features:
- Hands-Free Connection and Disconnection: Ensuring a safe and efficient process without manual handling.
- Free-Floating Structure: Effective tension control, catenary management, and single-point mooring.
- Overload Protection: Both automatic and manual emergency release, with the capability to recover and reconnect without damage.
The Nobelwind project, operational since 2017, is located 47 kilometers offshore and features 50 turbines spread across 19.8 km², providing electricity to approximately 190,000 households. The charging system was transported to the offshore substation using a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) and assembled using a substation crane. Remarkably, the entire setup was completed and operational within two days.
“We are committed to making all of our activities as sustainable as possible, and this is a game changer for our maintenance vessels, which can now access green energy directly from our wind turbines as they carry out their work.”
Kristof Verlinden, Head of Operations & Maintenance at Parkwind, emphasized the system’s environmental benefits
The technology was developed in collaboration with UK-based power and automation firm MJR. MJR handled the electrical and mechanical interface engineering, while Parkwind provided offshore logistics, installation, and testing support. The project was part-funded by The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and supported by the UK Department of Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Paul Cairns, Managing Director of MJR, praised the collaboration, highlighting the successful trials and the planned commercial rollout of the system in the first quarter of 2025. The trials confirmed the system’s capability to transfer power from a fully operational offshore wind farm to a vessel without any operational disruptions or safety incidents.
Parkwind’s innovative offshore charging station represents a significant step towards reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint. By leveraging locally generated renewable energy, the system aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy practices. The successful implementation at Nobelwind sets a precedent for similar installations worldwide, potentially transforming offshore wind farms into green energy hubs for maritime vessels.
