WindEurope brings together European ports serving the wind industry.
The Ports Platform supports European ports involved in the wind industry. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among port authorities by facilitating the exchange of best practices and knowledge, as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities that arise as the offshore wind industry expands across Europe.
In this edition, we highlight positive developments from ports that have recently secured funding for port projects related to renewables and the wind industry.
Port of Cork secures €38.4 Million EU Grant and €88.5 million from Irish government.
The Port of Cork has received €38.4 million from the Irish Department of Transport under the CEF funding scheme. This investment will support the construction of two new quay berths at Ringaskiddy, significantly enhancing the port’s capacity and operational efficiency. The expansion will allow the port to accommodate more vessels, aligning with its long-term Masterplan 2050 which focuses on developing offshore renewable energy infrastructure. The port is also the recipient of a further €88.5 million investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to further support expansions and the growth of offshore wind activities. You can find out more about the funding here.
Eemshaven receives €4.5 Million for enhancements and begins work on the Thor offshore wind project
The Port of Eemshaven, part of the Groningen Seaports group, has been awarded €4.5 million from the CEF programme. The funds will be used to strengthen the quay and the harbour basin floor, enabling the port to handle a broader range of vessels, including jack-up vessels, essential for offshore wind projects. This funding marks a significant step forward in enhancing Europe’s port infrastructure to meet the demands of the offshore wind sector.
RWE has commenced the construction of its Thor offshore wind project in the Danish North Sea. The first eight monopile foundations have arrived at the Eemshaven port in the Netherlands. These foundations, up to 100 meters long, will be used for Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm. The Buss Terminal of Eemshaven port will handle the logistics. Installation works will start from the Port of Esbjerg in 2026, and the Port of Thorsminde will serve as a maintenance base, creating 50-60 local jobs. Full operation of the wind farm is expected by the end of 2027, with the wind farm providing enough energy for over one million Danish households.
Find out more on the funding here and read more about the Thor project here.
Port of Bilbao receives close to €700 Million in investments, focused on sustainability-related projects
The Port of Bilbao has secured investments of approximately €700 million, with significant emphasis on sustainability projects. 78% of this investment comes from private sources and will be directed towards fuel plants, renewable hydrogen, recycling, biofuels, wind components, and other initiatives. As a logistics, industrial, and energy hub for the region, Bilbao hosts the EU-supported Basque Hydrogen Corridor, offering substantial opportunities for regional development. The strategic roadmap of the Port Authority seeks to establish a competitive Green Port, thereby reinforcing Bilbao’s status as a European benchmark for sustainable development. Read more about the Port of Bilbao here.
Port of Cuxhaven announces €300 Million for expansions
Niedersachsen Ports has announced the construction of three new berths at the port of Cuxhaven beginning in February 2025. These 1,250-meter berths will primarily handle wind turbines. By 2029, they will accommodate ships up to 300 meters long and 17 meters deep. The project encompasses both the construction of the berths and the development of additional terminal space and storage areas. The construction costs, projected to be approximately €300 million, will be equally funded by the federal and state governments. The port authority will cover any remaining expenses. Read more about the expansion here.
Port of Esbjerg secures €115 Million loan for port developments
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending €115 Million to the Port of Esbjerg for the expansion of port infrastructure for both military vessels and offshore wind energy projects. The project includes deepening the navigation channel and the construction of a new 57-hectare terminal for use in offshore wind activities. This expansion will support NATO operations, improve connectivity, and strengthen Esbjerg activities in the offshore wind industry. Find out more about these developments here.
New ports joining WindEurope
We are delighted to announce that the Port of Liepaja, Port of Ventspils, Port of Tarragona, Ports of the Douro, Port of Świnoujście, Port of Las Palmas, Euroports, and the DB Schenker terminal in Constanța have all joined WindEurope this year. This exciting development underscores the ongoing expansion and collaboration within the European wind industry. By integrating these strategically significant ports into our network, we are not only enhancing our collective capacity to support offshore wind projects but also fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation. These ports bring unique strengths and perspectives, and we look forward to the fruitful discussions that lie ahead in the Ports Platform meetings.
See the full map of the Ports Platform on our website here.
