Renewable energy systems in offshore platforms for sustainable maritime operations

This study presents a novel Offshore Mooring and Power Platform (OMPP) that integrates Platform-to-Ship systems to electrify anchored and bunkering ships, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime applications. The OMPP consists of a 200 MW floating wind farm, a 300 MW floating photovoltaic farm, and a hybrid energy storage system, forming an offshore virtual power plant to ensure reliable and continuous power supply despite the intermittency of renewable energy sources. A case study focused on the Maltese Islands demonstrates the technical feasibility of the system, utilizing a hybrid energy storage configuration comprising a 390 MWh battery energy storage system and a 1260 MWh compressed air energy storage system to eliminate energy deficit hours. The OMPP, rated at 24 MVA, successfully supplies up to four berths with 6 MVA each. While challenges remain in integrating early-stage technologies, the OMPP provides a scalable and sustainable solution for modernizing port infrastructure, meeting environmental standards, and supporting sustainable maritime operations. • Offshore virtual power plants integrate wind, solar, and hybrid storage systems. • Floating Platform-to-Ship systems enable sustainable maritime operations. • Offshore energy hubs provide renewable power for anchored and bunkering ships. • Offshore mooring and power platforms reduce emissions from maritime activities.