The parties will explore the development of the Swedish Oskarshamn into a seaport for the logistics, installation, loading, operations, and maintenance activities of RWE's planned offshore wind energy (OWE) projects in the Baltic Sea.
The co-op will kick off by mapping out the requirements and necessary build-outs and investments to facilitate scaling-up the port's capacity.
"An early implementation of port capacity will ensure that Sweden is well placed to maximise the potential of the offshore wind industry. This collaboration demonstrates a clear commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise, thus supporting broader industrial growth in Sweden," RWE underlined in a press release.
Matilda Machacek, Vice President of Offshore Development Nordics at RWE Offshore Wind, also highlighted, "We are delighted to be working with the Port of Oskarshamn and the Port of Karlshamn [with whom a similar memorandum of understanding was signed earlier this year]. Offshore wind expansion has significant potential in Sweden. Offshore infrastructure projects, such as wind farms, often require extensive logistical support. For better logistics and more efficient operations, and for the viability of offshore wind in Sweden, it is important that we have harbours close to the projects. This will result in growth for both neighbouring ports and the surrounding regions."
"A new offshore wind farm has the potential to transform a nearby port into a dynamic hub, catalysing growth, infrastructure, jobs and economic benefits for the region. We look forward to working with the Port of Oskarshamn to assess its potential as a future offshore wind hub," added Rickard Olsen Pella, Project Manager at RWE Offshore Wind.
Niclas Strömqvist, CEO of Smålandshamnar (a port company that manages Oskarshamn and Västervik), underscored, "The Port of Oskarshamn is already one of the leading harbours in Sweden for the transport and handling of onshore wind components. We are proud that RWE, one of the world's leading companies in offshore wind, has taken note of our port and our expertise and supports our plans to become a hub for offshore wind, too. The Port of Oskarshamn is strategically positioned in the Baltic Sea and offers very good conditions and opportunities to meet the needs of future players in offshore wind power. Experience from other ports shows that the offshore wind industry is an employment accelerator that creates growth in the business community and thus the conditions for jobs and migration to the area. This will benefit not only Oskarshamn but also the region, Sweden and the green transition."
Photo (upscaled): RWE