WindPort, located in Mandal, Norway, has formed a strategic alliance with Port Esbjerg in Denmark to advance offshore wind development in Norway. The partnership aims to establish WindPort as the key marshalling hub for the Sørlige Nordsjø II (SNII) project, Norway’s first large-scale offshore wind farm. WindPort, traditionally focused on oil and gas, is shifting toward renewable energy, capitalizing on its proximity to SNII and robust maritime facilities. Port Esbjerg, recognized globally for its offshore wind expertise, brings valuable experience to the collaboration.

Turid Storhaug, managing director of WindPort AS, highlighted the benefits of the partnership, stating: “Port Esbjerg is widely regarded as one of the most experienced offshore wind ports globally with unique capabilities. Learning from their experience and know-how enables us to build smarter from the start and position WindPort as a top-tier marshalling hub.” The collaboration will emphasize shared efforts in quay design, logistics, sustainable energy solutions, and emerging fuel technologies to support the offshore wind sector.

Dennis Jul Pedersen, CEO of Port Esbjerg, expressed confidence in WindPort’s potential, noting: “WindPort has already proven itself as a highly capable maritime hub with strong infrastructure and a clear vision for offshore wind. Together, we can set new standards for how ports support the offshore wind industry – efficiently, sustainably, and smart from the start.” This joint effort aims to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in wind energy logistics.

WindPort currently provides approximately 200,000 square meters of space, with plans to expand up to 1 million square meters across three sites. Its deep, unobstructed channel ensures easy access for large offshore vessels to the open sea, making it an ideal location for wind turbine assembly and logistics. The SNII project, which WindPort will support, is set to feature 60–100 turbines with a total capacity of 1.5GW. A 200km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will connect the wind farm to a substation in Kvinesdal.

To meet the demands of SNII, WindPort is upgrading its quay and infrastructure, bolstered by a local service network. Storhaug emphasized the broader impact, saying: “By collaborating with Port Esbjerg and obtaining knowledge on effective port management, we are not only accelerating our transformation but also contributing to the sustainable energy future of Northern Europe.” This partnership positions WindPort as a vital player in Norway’s renewable energy landscape, supporting the region’s transition to cleaner energy sources.