Germany’s offshore wind industry is urging policymakers to deliver clear commitments and a binding roadmap to secure the sector’s expansion, as the 14th National Maritime Conference takes place on April 29–30 in Emden.

The German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) is calling for decisive action on key industrial and energy policy issues, including sustainable financing for port infrastructure, stable regulatory conditions for offshore operations and rescue services, and stronger protection of critical infrastructure.

“The National Maritime Conference is an important opportunity to make clear political commitments and to establish a binding roadmap for key industrial policy decisions. Efficient ports, a reliably organized offshore rescue infrastructure, and a coherent security framework for critical maritime infrastructure are essential prerequisites,” said Stefan Thimm, Managing Director of BWO.

The association also stressed the need for clarity on auction design following last year’s failed auction and the suspension of this year’s tender. It is calling for an investment-secure framework based on two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs), alongside a firm commitment to legally established expansion targets of at least 70 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2045.

According to the industry, any further delay in amending the Offshore Wind Energy Act risks increasing investment uncertainty and undermining value creation in Germany and across Europe.

Ports identified as a key bottleneck

Port infrastructure has emerged as one of the main challenges for the sector. German seaports play a central role in the construction, logistics, and operation of offshore wind projects, but rising demands — including larger components, increased space requirements, and stricter safety standards — are putting pressure on existing facilities.

BWO warns that Germany is falling behind other European countries in infrastructure development. Ports such as Esbjerg, Rønne, and Eemshaven have already expanded their capacities and are taking on roles originally intended for German ports, leading to a shift of orders, industrial capacity, and added value abroad.

To address this, the association is calling for a binding agreement between federal and state governments on financing responsibilities, along with a concrete implementation mechanism. It has proposed a dedicated program under the Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures (GRW), titled “Ports for the Energy Transition,” aimed at accelerating investments in strategically important port locations, particularly in smaller federal states.

Competitiveness, security, and offshore rescue

The industry is also highlighting structural disadvantages affecting offshore wind operators in the maritime sector. In this context, BWO welcomed plans by the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Maritime Business and Tourism, Christoph Ploß, to extend the tonnage tax to offshore wind logistics, a move expected to strengthen Germany’s competitiveness.

Beyond industrial concerns, the association pointed to growing security challenges. Offshore wind farms, converter platforms, and grid connections are classified as critical energy infrastructure and require enhanced protection.

BWO is therefore calling for a sector-specific security framework for maritime infrastructure, with clearly defined responsibilities and sustainable financing models, particularly where offshore assets may also serve public security functions. The association expects the necessary regulations to be introduced in 2026 with industry involvement.

At the same time, the sector is warning of urgent gaps in offshore rescue capabilities, especially in areas far from the coast. BWO is calling for a swift agreement between federal and state governments to centralize responsibilities and develop an efficient rescue infrastructure for offshore wind farms. It also stresses the need for a viable financing mechanism to support the initial investments required by the end of 2026.

With these demands, the offshore wind industry aims to secure its role in Germany’s energy transition while addressing mounting regulatory, logistical, and security challenges.