Port Esbjerg and Norwegian port operator WindPort have formed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening their role in Norway’s offshore wind sector. The collaboration brings together Esbjerg’s experience in offshore logistics with WindPort’s location and ambition to become the primary marshalling hub for the Sørlige Nordsjø II (SNII) project.
Located in Mandal, WindPort is Norway’s southernmost deep-water port and has traditionally served the oil and gas industry. It is now shifting its focus towards offshore wind. The port offers around 200,000 square metres of operational space, with the potential to expand to 1 million square metres across three fjordside sites.
The partnership centres on joint project development and knowledge exchange, particularly in areas such as quay design, logistics, sustainable energy solutions, and alternative fuel technologies. WindPort's deep, unobstructed channel—with no need for dredging—provides direct access from fjord to sea, making it suitable for handling large offshore wind vessels.
The initial focus is on the Sørlige Nordsjø II project, Norway’s first large-scale offshore wind development on the continental shelf. SNII is expected to comprise 60–100 wind turbines with a total capacity of 1.5 GW. A 200 km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will connect the offshore site to the onshore substation in Kvinesdal, southern Norway. In preparation, WindPort is planning significant investment in quay upgrades and port infrastructure.
