The Universal Connection | Stillstrom and the Drive for Offshore Standardisation
COPENHAGEN — In a move to accelerate the decarbonisation of the offshore wind supply chain, Stillstrom has announced its leadership in the development of High Voltage Offshore Connection (HVOC) guidelines.
Working alongside the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee (NEK), the Maersk-owned company is pushing for a global standard that will allow vessels to transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity at sea.
Solving the Compatibility Challenge
The primary obstacle to maritime electrification has been the lack of a common interface. Until now, offshore charging was often limited to bespoke installations tailored to specific projects. Stillstrom’s initiative seeks to change this by incorporating HVOC requirements into the IEC 80005 series—the gold standard for high-voltage ship connections.
By creating a unified framework, Stillstrom is ensuring that any electric or hybrid vessel can connect to any standardised offshore charging point. This interoperability is expected to lower technology risks and capital costs, providing shipowners with the certainty needed to invest in zero-emission fleets.
From Offshore Wind to the Quayside
The implications of HVOC standardisation extend back to the port. By aligning offshore electrical requirements with port-side standards, the industry can create a streamlined energy network. This allows renewable energy from offshore wind farms to be utilized more efficiently, either by charging vessels at sea or by providing a consistent power source for port electrification.
"Standardisation is essential if offshore electrification is going to move beyond bespoke solutions," says Shaun Blyde, Electrical Engineering Manager at Stillstrom. "It makes offshore power transfer an everyday part of vessel and wind farm operations."
As the maritime sector faces increasing regulatory pressure, the message from Stillstrom is clear: the path to decarbonisation is paved with standardised, high-voltage infrastructure that connects the green energy of the sea directly to the vessels of the future.
