Work

Ship collision and offshore renewable energy: Challenges and innovations for structural resilience

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy installations, such as wind farms, tidal turbines, and wave energy converters, has increased concerns regarding ship collision risks. As maritime traffic intensifies, understanding the impact of vessel collisions on these structures is crucial for ensuring operational safety and structural resilience. This review thoroughly analyses ship collisions with offshore renewable structures, concentrating on risk assessment methodologies, structural response mechanisms, and mitigation strategies. Various numerical and experimental approaches for impact modelling are examined, alongside advanced materials and design innovations aimed at improving collision resistance. Furthermore, current regulatory frameworks and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven collision avoidance systems, are discussed. The review identifies key challenges and future research directions, emphasising the need for integrated monitoring systems and predictive modelling to enhance offshore energy infrastructure safety. This study provides a foundation for engineers, policymakers, and researchers to develop more resilient offshore renewable energy solutions in response to increasing maritime activity. • Reviews ship collision risks for offshore renewable energy installations. • Summarises structural response mechanisms and energy dissipation strategies. • Evaluates impact modelling methods including FEM, CFD, and hybrid approaches. • Discusses advanced materials and design innovations for collision resilience. • Identifies key challenges and future directions, stressing integrated monitoring and modelling.

Source: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116510

Authors: Bai-Qiao Chen, Kun Liu, Hao Rong, Jonas W. Ringsberg

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Instituto Superior Técnico, Liverpool John Moores University, Chalmers University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Maritime Navigation and Safety

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,220