Future Windfarms Prepare for Offshore Charging Capabilities

Offshore windfarms may soon be equipped with charging infrastructure to support electric crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and battery-powered service operation vessels (E-SOVs), according to two new studies commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables.

Conducted by MJR Power & Automation and Oasis Marine, the reports are the final in a three-part series exploring decarbonisation strategies and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in offshore windfarm operations. The findings reinforce earlier conclusions that electrifying offshore operations is technically viable, particularly for E-SOVs that remain at sea for extended durations.

The studies also assessed the feasibility of using electric CTVs for windfarms situated closer to shore. Results confirm that the deployment of such vessels is both technically and operationally achievable. In both use cases, offshore windfarms stand to gain not only in reducing emissions but also in cutting fuel-related costs.

Ross Ovens, Managing Director for Offshore at ScottishPower Renewables, commented:“These reports could bring the industry closer to a new operational era for offshore windfarms—not just in the UK but worldwide. The depth and clarity of this research, whether focused on an SOV or CTV model, can shape future practices as we build the green generation needed to meet rising electricity demand.We extend our thanks to MJR Power & Automation and Oasis Marine for highlighting how offshore marine operations can be decarbonised, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.”

The MJR Power & Automation report concludes that electrical charging solutions are well-suited to offshore environments due to opportunities for regular charging both at sea and onshore. It projects that electric operations and maintenance vessels will soon be more cost-effective than Marine Gas Oil (MGO)-powered alternatives. Operating expenses for E-SOVs are already competitive, and full cost competitiveness for electric CTVs is expected within a few years.

Paul Cairns, Managing Director of MJR Power & Automation, stated:“We’re proud to have supported ScottishPower Renewables on its Operation Zero project—a significant milestone in developing offshore charging infrastructure. Partnering with such a visionary team has been a privilege, and we hope our insights will assist both ScottishPower Renewables and the broader offshore wind industry in moving toward net zero.”

The Oasis Marine study examined how installing Oasis Power Buoys within a windfarm could enable electric CTVs to operate independently of fossil fuel volatility and the high cost of alternative green fuels. Based on a case study involving three electric CTVs replacing diesel-fueled vessels, the report projected CO2 emission savings of 140,000 tonnes and fuel cost savings of approximately £15 million over a 25-year windfarm lifecycle.

George Smith, Chief Technical Officer at Oasis Marine, noted:“We’re pleased to have partnered with ScottishPower Renewables to evaluate the feasibility of using our Oasis Power Buoys for offshore charging.

The study demonstrates that windfarm operations and maintenance can be effectively carried out using electric vessels—yielding significant environmental and financial benefits. Our report offers a snapshot of where our technology stands today and its potential for emission and cost reduction.”

These findings are being disseminated through Operation Zero, a collaborative initiative launched during COP26 in Glasgow, uniting developers and supply chain stakeholders dedicated to enabling zero-emission offshore maintenance vessels.

Leo Hambro, member of the Operation Zero Steering Committee, added:“It’s encouraging to see developers and supply chain partners co-developing solutions and best practices that will transform the industry. Studies like these pave the way for innovation, learning, and the rapid adoption of zero-emission maritime technologies toward a sustainable future.”