Europe will need to invest €2.1 billion more in its port infrastructure to keep pace with the rapid expansion of offshore wind, according to industry group WindEurope. The funding would come on top of the €4.7 billion already invested in recent years, as demand for port capacity begins to outstrip supply.

The warning comes as the European Commission unveiled two new initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe’s maritime ecosystem: the EU Ports Strategy and the EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, both designed to prepare ports, shipyards and vessels for the next phase of offshore wind deployment.

Under the new EU Ports Strategy, Brussels calls on Member States to better align port infrastructure upgrades with upcoming offshore wind projects. The plan also proposes faster and simpler permitting procedures for port expansions, arguing that port grid infrastructure should be considered of overriding public interest. In addition, it urges governments to reduce delays in grid connections and improve the electrification of ports.

According to WindEurope, these steps are necessary as European ports struggle to keep up with the scale of offshore wind development. Ports play a critical role in the wind energy supply chain, as almost every turbine component passes through them. As turbines grow larger and floating wind projects begin to scale up, ports will increasingly serve as assembly, storage and deployment hubs, requiring reinforced quays, deeper berths and larger handling areas.

Europe’s offshore wind sector has started the year with renewed confidence following successful multi-gigawatt auctions in countries including Poland and the United Kingdom, as well as renewed political momentum at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg. According to the latest outlook from WindEurope, Europe currently has 39 GW of offshore wind capacity, which could rise to 73 GW by 2030.

The Commission’s maritime initiative also seeks to strengthen Europe’s shipbuilding industry through the EU Maritime Industrial Strategy. Rather than offering direct financial incentives, the plan focuses on ensuring a level playing field with non-European shipyards and monitoring potentially distortive policies from third countries.

The strategy also aims to support the development of Europe’s offshore wind vessel fleet, particularly in high-value segments such as offshore support vessels and cable-laying ships. A new Industrial Maritime Value Chain Alliance is expected to help identify opportunities across the European maritime supply chain.

Despite welcoming the measures, WindEurope says additional dedicated funding will still be needed to ensure that ports and shipyards can support the scale of offshore wind deployment required to strengthen Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness.