Offshore charging for electric vessels is moving closer to reality, with new research commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) demonstrating that ditching traditional marine fuels for battery-powered alternatives could deliver significant cost and environmental benefits for the offshore wind sector.
Two newly released studies, by MJR Power & Automation and Oasis Marine, are the latest in a trio of reports commissioned by SPR to explore decarbonisation options for offshore windfarm operations. The research confirms that both Service Operation Vessels (E-SOVs), which remain at sea for extended periods, and Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) used closer to shore, can be electrified and reliably charged offshore, providing a technically and operationally feasible solution.
The MJR study found that electric vessels are particularly well-suited to offshore wind operations, with the ability to recharge at both offshore sites and shore-based quay sides. Importantly, it forecast that operations and maintenance electric vessels will become cheaper than their marine gas oil (MGO) counterparts within the next few years, with operating expenses for E-SOVs already competitive and full cost parity for CTVs expected by 2027-2028.
The Oasis Marine study, which focused on electric CTVs, identified that using its Oasis Power Buoy charging solution could protect operators from volatile fossil fuel prices and the high costs of alternative green fuels. The study estimated that replacing diesel-fuelled CTVs with three electric CTVs at a typical windfarm could save approximately 140,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and around £15 million in fuel costs over a 25-year project lifespan.
Ross Ovens, Managing Director for Offshore at ScottishPower Renewables, said:
“These latest studies have the potential to help the industry take a step closer to a new era for offshore windfarm operations – not just here in the UK, but right across the globe. The valuable depth and insight this research offers – regardless of whether you’re considering an SOV or CTV operating model – could help inform future windfarm operations as the country continues to build the green generation we need to meet the expected doubling of electricity demand.”
Paul Cairns, Managing Director of MJR Power & Automation, commented:
“We were delighted to be commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables to support its Operation Zero project, which represents a major step forward in advancing offshore charging solutions. Working with such a forward-thinking team to help shape the future of sustainable offshore operations has been a fantastic experience. At MJR Power & Automation, we’re proud to contribute our expertise toward accelerating the industry’s journey to net zero and we hope that our findings are helpful to both ScottishPower Renewables and the wider offshore wind sector in its push to further decarbonise.”
George Smith, Chief Technical Officer of Oasis Marine, added:
“The study has concluded that the operations and maintenance activities of windfarms can be conducted by electric vessels. This is not only feasible, but can deliver strong environmental and economic benefits. The report summarises and generalises the findings and gives an excellent snapshot of where Oasis Marine’s offshore charging technology is today and the potential emission and cost savings it unlocks.”
Looking Ahead
With offshore charging infrastructure now proven technically and economically viable, and commercial systems ready for deployment, the offshore wind sector is poised to make a major leap in reducing both its operational costs and environmental footprint. As the UK and global markets prepare for a surge in offshore wind capacity, electrified vessel operations could become the new standard for sustainable marine logistics.
