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MAGPIE Off-shore charging E-tower demo

Offshore charging buoys enable at-sea charging for electric vessels, reducing emissions, port visits, and fuel use while supporting offshore logistics. This is demo 5 within the MAGPIE project.

Electrification

Introduction

Off-shore charging buoys refer to the concept of delivering electrical energy to vessels outside the port area, particularly near offshore wind farms or anchorage zones. As maritime operations increasingly transition toward electrification, this concept offers a novel solution to support electric offshore service vessels (OSVs) and reduce reliance on fossil fuels during offshore operations. By enabling charging at sea, the system reduces the need for vessels to return to port for refueling, potentially lowering emissions, operational costs, and port congestion. The demonstration explores the feasibility of deploying a fixed jib or buoy-based charging system in offshore environments, addressing challenges such as wave conditions, cable safety, and integration with wind park infrastructure. Although the concept has not yet overcome all technical and economic barriers, it presents a forward-looking approach to decarbonizing offshore logistics. This factsheet outlines the value proposition, applicability, technical solution, and implementation roadmap for off-shore charging infrastructure in support of a greener maritime sector.

Value proposition

  • Enables offshore charging near wind parks or anchorage areas, reducing the need for port calls.

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  • Supports the deployment of fully electric OSVs and reduces reliance on diesel fuels.

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  • If successful, the system could be market-ready within 5–10 years (2030–2040).

  • Design principles transferable to hydrogen bunkering or other offshore charging technologies.

Problem: • Offshore environments like the North Sea present technical challenges (e.g. shallow water, wave conditions) that are unsuitable for traditional buoy systems. • Cable connection systems may pose unacceptable safety risks. • The concept has not yet passed technical and economic feasibility thresholds.

Port applicability

• Large Container Ports/Hub Ports: Limited direct applicability, but may benefit from reduced congestion if offshore charging reduces port visits. • Industrial Ports: Indirectly applicable if supporting offshore wind logistics or OSV operations. • Smaller/Regional Ports: May benefit from reduced anchorage congestion and emissions if offshore charging is implemented nearby. • Other: Highly applicable to offshore wind farm zones and anchorage areas. Relevant for regions with electrical OSVs and interest in alternative fuel bunkering outside port boundaries.

Detailed description of the solution

  • Charging Buoy or Fixed Jib

    Installed offshore to deliver electricity to vessels.

  • Cable and Connector System

    Transfers power from the grid or wind park to the vessel.

  • Location

    Positioned near wind farms or anchorage zones.

  • Safety Considerations

    System must mitigate risks associated with offshore cable connections.

  • Scalability

    Potential to expand to hydrogen or ammonia fueling in the future.

Impact of the solution

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Energy EfficiencyMedium impact
Enables direct use of electricity offshore, reducing fuel transport and consumption.
GHG emissionsMedium impact
Indirect reductions by supporting electric vessels over diesel-powered ones.
Pollutant emissionsMedium impact
Reduces emissions in offshore zones by avoiding combustion-based energy use.
SafetyMedium impact
Safer than handling dangerous fuels in port; however, offshore cable safety remains a concern.
Port CityMedium impact
Reduces port congestion and emissions by shifting energy supply offshore.
Nature and Communicty ImpactMedium impact
Supports cleaner offshore operations, potentially reducing environmental impact in sensitive marine areas.
Could enable fully electric OSVs and reduce the need for support vessel trips to shore.Medium impact

Port characteristics

• Need: Suitable offshore locations for buoy or jib installation. Access to wind farms and electric OSVs. OPS at anchorage. 11 kV shore grid and redundancy, Offshore site with max 40 m water depth & safe DP or hawser station, Certified HV operations team and emergency response plan, Class acceptance (ABS/DNV) for offshore HV transfer. • Affects: Port energy planning, offshore logistics coordination, and safety protocols.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Non-technologicalEnabler

    Integration with wind park service design; potential to reduce port congestion and emissions. Income from sale of electricity to vessel.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Crane-type systems under development; concept aligns with future energy transition goals. Ability for multi-use (Cargo Ships, SOVs, CTV, ERTVs)

Barriers

  • Non-technologicalBarrier

    Economic feasibility, lack of proven business case, and unclear stakeholder roles. Grid tariffs, national permitting and environmental rules. No standard connector for offshore electrification / charging – Early engagement with IEC 80005 & Class rules under development.

  • TechnologyBarrier

    Offshore conditions unsuitable for buoys; cable safety risks; TRL not yet sufficient. Motions analysis of tested E-buoy not suitable for North Sea conditions.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Technical validation of buoy/jib system

  2. Step 2

    Safety and economic feasibility studies

  3. Step 3

    Pilot deployment near wind parks

  4. Step 4

    Potential market availability in 5–10 years (2030–2040)

Implementation Interdependencies

Requires coordination between wind park operators, vessel owners, port authorities, and energy providers. It should be considered during windpark (service) design. Power cables to be located well below the seabed, connected to existing grid at windfarm end of string.

Required involved stakeholders

  • Port Authority

    May support offshore infrastructure planning and regulatory alignment.

  • Shipping Lines

    Operate electric OSVs and benefit from offshore charging.

  • Fuel Suppliers/ Distributors

    May be affected if electric charging replaces fuel delivery.

  • Technology Providers

    Develop buoy/jib systems and cable connectors.

  • Engineering & Construction Firms

    Install offshore infrastructure.

  • Classification Societies

    Certify safety and compliance of offshore systems.

  • National & International Regulators

    Oversee offshore safety and energy regulations.

  • Financial Institutions/Investors

    Fund infrastructure development.

  • Research & Development Institutions

    Support feasibility and safety studies.

  • Workforce Representatives/Unions

    May be involved in safety training and offshore operations.

Knowledge base and references