This focus group assesses whether the Adriatic–Ionian region is infrastructure-ready for offshore wind and identifies the main gaps across ports, logistics, vessels, grid connections, and supply chains. The session confirmed that while offshore wind potential and maritime experience exist, infrastructure limitations are currently a major bottleneck.

Participants

• Stakeholders related to offshore infrastructure and logistics:
• Port authorities and port infrastructure managers
• Shipbuilding and maritime logistics companies
• Offshore engineering companies
• Energy transmission operators and grid planners
• Offshore wind developers
• Universities and research centres specialising in maritime engineering
• Industrial clusters related to shipbuilding or energy infrastructure
• Typical professional profiles include: mechanical engineers, offshore infrastructure experts, logistics specialists, port planners, supply-chain companies.

Role of the group

• port readiness
• heavy-lift logistics
• offshore installation capacity
• grid and supply-chain development.

Goals

Map infrastructure gaps; support supply chain development; promote regional cooperation.

Highlights

Participants confirmed several infrastructure and logistics barriers that must be addressed before offshore wind can scale in the region:

• Ports are not yet ready for offshore wind deployment: insufficient depth, limited pier capacity, and lack of storage/assembly areas for large components (e.g., blades, towers).
• Heavy-lift capability is missing in many locations, limiting handling of next-generation components.
• Installation vessels are not available locally, meaning the region would depend on external fleets that may be booked far in advance.
• Grid infrastructure and connection points are underdeveloped, including lack of substations and capacity for large offshore projects.
• Floating wind was seen as a key opportunity in deep-water areas, but it increases requirements for specialised port and logistics capability.

Results and implications for ADRIONWIND

The session concluded that offshore wind readiness requires a coordinated approach combining port upgrades, grid reinforcement, supply-chain activation, and workforce upskilling, supported by effective mobilisation of EU and national funding instruments. These inputs inform strategy priorities on infrastructure investment sequencing and regional coordination.