Top 12 Biggest Offshore Wind Farms in the World

Explore the top 12 biggest offshore wind farms in the world, uncovering how they are reshaping global energy markets and maritime industries. Learn key technologies, challenges, and what the future holds.

Why Offshore Wind Farms Matter in Today’s Maritime World

In today’s race toward carbon neutrality, offshore wind farms have emerged as titans of clean energy. Installed far out at sea—often invisible from land—these floating or seabed-fixed powerhouses are rewriting the global energy map. Offshore wind doesn’t just contribute to sustainable electricity—it’s also sparking a maritime revolution.

As of 2024, offshore wind provides nearly 64 GW of capacity worldwide, with projections by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasting 380 GW by 2030. These farms are central to achieving the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets, with many located near busy maritime routes and shipping hubs. From port logistics and specialized vessels to cable laying and grid integration, the maritime supply chain is deeply entwined in the offshore wind sector’s growth.

So, which wind farms are leading this transformation? Let’s dive into the top 12 biggest offshore wind farms globally—and understand why they matter so much.

Hornsea 2 – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Capacity: 1.3 GW | Operational Since: 2022

Located in the North Sea off the Yorkshire coast, Hornsea 2 holds the title of the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm (as of 2025). Spanning 462 km², it powers over 1.4 million homes in the UK.

Operated by Ørsted, this mega project consists of 165 Siemens Gamesa 8 MW turbines. It’s a symbol of UK leadership in offshore energy, backed by strong maritime infrastructure like the Port of Grimsby, Europe’s largest offshore wind operations hub.

📊 IMO Perspective: Hornsea 2 aligns with the IMO’s GHG strategy, supporting port decarbonization goals and low-carbon vessel operations in the North Sea Emission Control Area.

Dogger Bank A & B – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Capacity (combined): 2.6 GW | Phase A online in 2023; B in 2024

Dogger Bank isn’t just a wind farm—it’s a multi-phase powerhouse that will become the world’s largest once all sections (A, B, and C) are operational. Located in the North Sea, Dogger Bank uses GE’s Haliade-X turbines, among the most powerful globally, each rated up to 14 MW.

Developed by SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn, it also introduces HVDC transmission, reducing energy losses over long distances.

🚢 Fun Fact: Installation vessels like Jan De Nul’s Voltaire, specifically designed for next-gen turbines, are key examples of how wind energy demands innovation in maritime engineering.

Hainan Offshore Wind Project – China 🇨🇳

Planned Capacity: 2 GW | Under Construction (Expected 2026)

This massive project, backed by the China Three Gorges Corporation, reflects China’s determination to dominate offshore wind. Situated near Hainan Island, the project targets integration with hydrogen production and green ports.

💡 Global Insight: According to Clarksons Research, China now accounts for over 50% of global offshore wind capacity under construction—a direct reflection of state policy and aggressive maritime industrial expansion.

Borssele 1 & 2 – Netherlands 🇳🇱

Capacity: 752 MW | Operational Since: 2020

Developed by Ørsted and located off the Dutch coast, Borssele is a key component of the Netherlands’ climate policy. The farm covers 122 km² and produces clean energy for over 1 million people annually.

Its proximity to Rotterdam and Antwerp, Europe’s major ports, means it also supports green port initiatives and fuels maritime hydrogen pilot projects.

🌍 Sustainability Tip: The Netherlands aims to install 21 GW of offshore wind by 2030, enough to power every Dutch home.

Greater Changhua 1 & 2a – Taiwan 🇹🇼

Capacity: 900 MW | Operational Since: 2022

Located 35–60 km off the west coast of Taiwan, this is the nation’s largest offshore wind farm to date. Developed by Ørsted, Greater Changhua is a beacon for the Indo-Pacific energy transition.

🌀 Regional Impact: It strengthens Taiwan’s energy independence and maritime industrial base, with 100+ supply chain companies contributing to its construction and maintenance.

Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm – Taiwan 🇹🇼

Planned Capacity: 640 MW | Partially Operational (2023)

Though delayed due to supply chain and weather-related issues, Yunlin remains a flagship for German-Taiwanese cooperation (Wpd AG + local partners). It uses Siemens Gamesa turbines and has pushed local shipbuilders to diversify into offshore support vessels.

📈 According to the WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, offshore wind has become a core driver of Taiwan’s maritime employment and port infrastructure upgrades.

Seagreen – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Capacity: 1.1 GW | Operational Since: 2023

Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm, Seagreen, lies 27 km off the Angus coast. Operated by SSE Renewables and TotalEnergies, it supports the UK’s net-zero targets and anchors green port activities at Port of Dundee.

🌊 Maritime Bonus: The project supports floating wind feasibility studies, key for deeper waters off the Scottish coast.

East Anglia One – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Capacity: 714 MW | Operational Since: 2020

Developed by Iberdrola (through its UK arm, ScottishPower Renewables), East Anglia One is part of a wider 3.1 GW cluster planned for the region. Located 43 km off the Suffolk coast, it includes 102 Siemens Gamesa turbines.

⚓ Port retrofitting in Lowestoft and Harwich has transformed these towns into offshore wind servicing centers, driving long-term maritime employment.

Gode Wind 1 & 2 – Germany 🇩🇪

Capacity: 582 MW | Operational Since: 2017

Situated in the German North Sea, Gode Wind contributes to Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition). Operated by Ørsted, it connects through Norderney and the DolWin2 HVDC converter station.

🇩🇪 National Goal: Germany targets 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030, with strong support from DNV and BIMCO for sustainable vessel standards in construction and maintenance operations.

Anma Offshore Wind – South Korea 🇰🇷

Planned Capacity: 532 MW | Construction Begins: 2025

This French-Korean collaboration between TotalEnergies and Macquarie aims to tap the Yellow Sea’s strong wind corridors. The project includes floating wind technology, vital for South Korea’s deep coastal waters.

🧪 Research Focus: South Korean universities and Korea Maritime Institute are spearheading R&D on dynamic cables and corrosion-resistant turbine bases.

Formosa 1 – Taiwan 🇹🇼

Capacity: 128 MW | Fully Operational: 2019

Although smaller in capacity, Formosa 1 is Taiwan’s first commercial offshore wind project. It laid the foundation for broader energy reforms and marine spatial planning laws.

🎯 Legacy Impact: Set regulatory and engineering benchmarks for Asia-Pacific offshore wind deployment.

Walney Extension – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Capacity: 659 MW | Operational Since: 2018

Located in the Irish Sea, Walney Extension is still among the world’s top 10 in size. Comprising Siemens Gamesa and MHI Vestas turbines, it represents a key milestone in modular wind farm expansion.

🚢 The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) played a pivotal role in environmental and shipping traffic assessments.

Real-World Applications: Offshore Wind’s Maritime Ripple Effect

Beyond green energy, offshore wind is a driver of maritime innovation:

  • Port transformation: Ports like Esbjerg (Denmark), Cuxhaven (Germany), and Taichung (Taiwan) are evolving into offshore wind marshalling ports.

  • Specialized vessels: Jack-up ships, cable layers, and crew transfer vessels (CTVs) are in growing demand, with firms like Østensjø Rederi and Damen Shipyards at the forefront.

  • Training and upskilling: The IMAREST and The Nautical Institute report surging enrolments in offshore energy safety and engineering programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are offshore wind farms built far out at sea?
Wind speeds are stronger and more consistent offshore. Building far out allows for larger turbines, reduced noise complaints, and access to high-capacity grids.

What vessels are used in offshore wind farm construction?
Specialized vessels include jack-up rigs for turbine installation, cable-laying ships, and service operation vessels (SOVs) for maintenance. These are purpose-built for heavy equipment and high-sea stability.

Are offshore wind farms environmentally safe?
Generally yes. Proper planning reduces ecological disruption. Research published in Marine Pollution Bulletin shows that artificial reefs formed around turbine bases may enhance marine biodiversity.

How long do offshore wind farms last?
Typically 25–30 years. After decommissioning, components may be recycled or repowered with newer turbine technology.

What is the difference between floating and fixed-bottom turbines?
Fixed-bottom turbines are anchored to the seabed in shallow waters. Floating turbines, used in deeper waters, are tethered to the ocean floor and can be deployed far offshore.

How are wind farms connected to the grid?
Subsea cables carry electricity to onshore substations. High-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines are often used to reduce energy loss over long distances.

Which countries are leading offshore wind development?
The UK, China, and Germany currently lead in installed capacity. However, South Korea, the U.S., and Vietnam are emerging as future leaders.

Conclusion: Offshore Wind Farms Are Maritime Game-Changers

The top 12 biggest offshore wind farms in the world are not just feats of engineering—they represent hope, resilience, and progress. They are shaping how the maritime sector operates, from shipbuilding and port logistics to crew training and international regulations.

With innovations in floating turbines, cross-border power grids, and AI-powered maintenance on the rise, the offshore wind industry is only getting started. For maritime professionals, students, and enthusiasts, now is the perfect time to understand this dynamic intersection of ocean and energy.

Whether you’re navigating offshore projects or studying them, one thing is clear—the winds of change are blowing strong across the seas.

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