UK-based shipping and vessel operator North Star has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Stillstrom, a company backed by A.P. Møller Maersk, to accelerate the adoption of charging and electrification technologies for offshore wind vessels.

Stillstrom has developed an innovative offshore "charging buoy" design that aims to reduce emissions from idle vessels and enable them to charge systems using clean energy. The charging buoy acts as a safe mooring spot while providing a supply of renewable power, allowing ships to use electricity from either offshore wind or the onshore grid.

Under the agreement, Stillstrom will demonstrate how its charging systems can benefit North Star operations by enabling vessels to recharge battery systems using wind energy while in the field. The collaboration aims to provide insights into incorporating charging technology into North Star's fleet of wind service operation vessels (SOVs), supporting the transition of the offshore sector toward cleaner and more sustainable operations.

The partnership aligns with North Star's commitment to minimizing its environmental impact. This collaboration with Stillstrom marks another step toward greening offshore wind operations, as the industry focuses on adopting advanced technologies to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability in offshore energy projects.