Stillstrom, a Maersk-backed company, is joining forces with Faber Group and cable specialist Prysmian to test offshore charging technology for vessels serving the wind energy sector. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while vessels remain stationed at sea.
The pilot project is scheduled for the fourth quarter in Esbjerg, Denmark, where the partners will test a system that allows hybrid and electric service operation vessels (SOVs) to connect to shore power offshore. This would remove the need for frequent returns to port for refueling and support longer, cleaner offshore operations.
Service vessels are considered one of the main sources of emissions in offshore wind projects because they spend extended periods at sea and still rely heavily on conventional fuel. According to the partners, offshore charging could significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, noise, and other pollutants, while also increasing vessel uptime.
Stillstrom is supplying the charging technology, while Faber Group and Prysmian have developed a dedicated cable and power solution designed specifically for offshore conditions. Standard systems are not built to withstand exposure to saltwater, mechanical stress, and temperature fluctuations, so the project required a more robust and compliant design.
The system is intended to provide stable, high-capacity power transfer between offshore infrastructure and vessels, using custom-length cables and integrated safety features that meet marine standards.
Faber Group is also supporting the project with logistics and engineering expertise, drawing on its experience in offshore cargo handling and integrated solutions. Prysmian, for its part, is contributing its knowledge of subsea cable systems to ensure reliable power transmission in harsh marine environments.
Stillstrom CEO Christian Borum Jørgensen said the initiative is aimed at solving one of the biggest emissions challenges in the offshore wind sector by enabling vessels to run on cleaner electricity instead of fuel.
The project reflects a broader industry shift toward the electrification of offshore operations. While wind farms are designed to generate clean energy, vessel activity remains a significant part of the sector’s overall carbon footprint.
If the trial proves successful, offshore charging could become a standard feature at wind farms, helping operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions without disrupting offshore operations.
