May 19th, 2026

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International Stillstrom-led consortium secures €5 million EU Horizon funding for offshore vessel charging pilot in Denmark

International Stillstrom-led consortium secures €5 million EU Horizon funding for offshore vessel charging pilot in Denmark

International Stillstrom-led consortium secures €5 million EU Horizon funding for offshore vessel charging pilot in Denmark

Eight partners to pilot new offshore charging technology delivering power to vessels at anchor outside Skagen

An international consortium led by Stillstrom by Maersk has secured €5 million from the European Union’s flagship Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The funding will be used for project SPARK, to develop and demonstrate offshore charging infrastructure for stationary vessels at anchor with their engines running.

Bringing together eight partners across five countries, the three-year project will deploy and test a pilot Offshore Power Zone solution in Skagen, Denmark - one of Northern Europe’s busiest anchorage hubs - targeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by idling ships between operations.

Integrated vessel charging technology specialist Stillstrom will spearhead the project, working alongside its partners Aalborg University, DNV, Maersk, MARIN, Port of Malta, Port of Skagen and University College London.Together, the consortium combines expertise across vessel operations, port infrastructure, research, simulation training and regulatory frameworks to design, build and validate a scalable offshore power system.

Once established, the Offshore Power Zone will enable vessels to plug into an at-sea power point with electricity provided via the nearby Port of Skagen. The pilot will initially support a single ship connection to prove the concept in a live operational environment, with the ambition to use the learnings to replicate and expand the solution globally.

Near shore idling vessels represent a significant and often overlooked source of GHG emissions, making them a clear and immediate opportunity for decarbonisation. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate through this €5 million Horizon Europe programme, which reflects strong confidence in the potential of our technical and operational capabilities. Project SPARK brings together partners from across the maritime ecosystem, enabling us to collectively accelerate offshore power from concept to real-world deployment, delivering a practical and economical solution for the maritime sector.

Kristian Borum Jørgensen, CEO at Stillstrom

In parallel with technical delivery, the project will assess commercial viability and regulatory pathways to support wider adoption across the maritime industry.

This is a significant opportunity for Skagen as one of Northern Europe’s key anchorage hubs. By hosting this pilot Offshore Power Zone, we are helping to demonstrate how collaborative innovation can directly reduce emissions from idling vessels and support the industry’s transition to cleaner operation. It also brings opportunities for local employment and skills development as new infrastructure is deployed and tested in the port environment.

Willy B. Hansen, CEO at Port of Skagen

The Offshore Power Zone project will commence next month (June) with an expected 36 months’ duration.

Media Enquiries

Issued by BIG Partnership on behalf of Stillstrom and its consortium partners.

For media enquiries, please contact

+44(0)1224211045holly.munro@bigpartnership.co.uk

About Horizon Europe and the consortium

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding programme (2021–2027), with a budget of around €95.5 billion. It aims to strengthen Europe’s scientific and technological base, boost competitiveness and growth, and support collaboration between industry, academia and governments to address major global challenges such as climate change, energy transition and sustainability, while turning research into practical solutions and new technologies.

The consortium partners in alphabetic order:

  • - Aalborg University, Department of Energy, Esbjerg, Denmark (research)

  • - DNV (regulatory framework)

  • - Maersk (vessel owner)

  • - MARIN (simulation, training, VR)

  • - Port of Malta (feasibility/replication study)

  • - Port of Skagen (deployment location)

  • - Stillstrom (lead role)

  • - University College London, Mechanical Engineering Department, UK (research)

(The UK and Norway are included as non-EU partners.)

About Stillstrom by Maersk

Stillstrom by Maersk is dedicated to decarbonise the maritime sector with offshore power and charging technologies, providing innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the maritime industry. Owned by A. P. Moller – Maersk, the business was founded in 2019 as an innovation project and became an independent company in 2022. The company employs more than 30 people at its headquarters in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Aberdeen (UK)

For more information, visit: https://stillstrom.com

About Aalborg University, Department of Energy, Esbjerg, Denmark.

Aalborg University’s Esbjerg campus is a key centre for research and education within offshore and energy systems. Based in Denmark’s offshore energy hub, the Department of Energy at Esbjerg Campus conducts applied research in offshore wind, offshore energy systems, electrification, control and optimisation of integrated energy systems. The department works closely with industry partners across the offshore wind, maritime and energy sectors, combining engineering research with real‑world applications to support the green energy transition. Research and education at Aalborg University Esbjerg are based on the Aalborg University’ Model of problem‑based learning and strong industry collaboration.

About DNV

DNV is an independent expert in assurance and risk management, operating in more than 100 countries. Driven by its purpose to safeguard life, property and the environment, DNV provides classification, technical assurance, advisory and digital solutions to the maritime, energy and other industries. DNV is the world’s leading classification society and a trusted advisor to the energy value chain, including renewables, oil and gas and energy systems. DNV invests heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. For more information visit: www.dnv.com/maritime

About Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) is an integrated logistics company connecting and simplifying its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company has 100,000+ customers, operates in almost 130 countries, and employs 100,000+ people. Maersk delivers innovative, reliable ocean network solutions, offers truly integrated logistics products and operates advanced container terminals, both gateways and hubs, with 60+ locations globally.

About MARIN

MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) is a globally recognised, independent research institute specialising in hydrodynamic and nautical research for the maritime sector. Based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, MARIN supports the development and operation of ships and maritime structures that are cleaner, safer and smarter. Acting as an independent knowledge partner to industry, government and society, MARIN combines advanced numerical simulations, model testing, full‑scale measurements and simulators to support innovation across shipping, offshore energy, ports and defence. MARIN’s mission is Better Ships, Blue Oceans – contributing to the sustainable use of the sea.

About Port of Malta

The Port of Malta is a strategic maritime hub in the central Mediterranean, supporting international shipping, logistics and maritime services across multiple port locations, including the Grand Harbour, Marsaxlokk and the Malta Freeport area. Through its port and maritime authorities, Malta provides essential infrastructure and services for commercial shipping, cruise operations, transhipment and maritime industrial activities. The Port of Malta plays a key role in regional connectivity and is actively supporting the modernisation and sustainability of maritime infrastructure, including initiatives related to port efficiency, environmental performance and energy transition.

About Port of Skagen

The Port of Skagen is a major commercial port in northern Denmark, strategically located at the junction of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Owned by Frederikshavn Municipality and operated as an independent municipal harbour, the port serves as a key maritime hub for fishing, maritime services, cargo handling, bunkering and cruise operations. With extensive quay infrastructure, deep‑water access and 24/7 port services, the Port of Skagen supports a wide range of vessel types and maritime activities. The port is actively investing in modern infrastructure and initiatives that support safer, more efficient and lower‑emission maritime operations.

About University College London

University College London (UCL) is a leading public research university based in London, United Kingdom. Founded in 1826, UCL is one of the world’s foremost multidisciplinary universities, with a strong focus on research, innovation and societal impact. UCL brings together expertise across engineering, science, health, environment, policy and social sciences, working in close collaboration with industry, government and international partners to address major global challenges. UCL is consistently recognised for the quality and impact of its research and is a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities.

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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International Stillstrom-led consortium secures €5 million EU Horizon funding for offshore vessel charging pilot in Denmark