Global Offshore Wind Report 2025: Key Data & Innovation Insights

The 2025 global offshore wind report examines the sector’s current landscape and covers growth patterns, employment trends, patent activity, innovation hubs, and investment flows. Global capacity additions are expected to reach 19 GW in 2025, with industry-wide expenditures estimated at USD 80 billion.

The report identifies key offshore wind outlook, major investors, and emerging startups shaping offshore wind energy. It explores technological advancements such as floating wind farms and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) wind monitoring. The report provides industry leaders and innovation managers with the insights needed to make informed decisions and adapt to market dynamics.

Executive Summary: Global Offshore Wind Report 2025

• Industry Growth Overview: The offshore wind energy industry grew by 10.12% last year, reaching a network of over 4200 companies, including 110 startups. Moreover, the global offshore wind energy market is expected to reach USD 298.8 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% from 2025.
• Manpower & Employment Growth: The market employs more than 1.4 million professionals worldwide. It added 58 000 new workers over the past year.
• Patents & Grants: Offshore wind companies have filed more than 14 000 patents through 4800 applicants and secured over 1400 grants. Additionally, annual patent filings grew by 11.27%, with China and Europe leading innovation efforts.
• Global Footprint: Key industry hubs include the UK, USA, Netherlands, Germany, and Norway. Leading cities for offshore wind development are London, Hamburg, Aberdeen, Singapore, and New York City.
• Investment Landscape: Investment activity remains strong, with over 1800 funding rounds and an average investment of USD 165.7 million per round. More than 1600 investors have supported over 550 companies across the sector.
• Top Investors: European Investment Bank, Equinor, Société Générale, and more are the top investors. They have contributed more than USD 16 billion to offshore wind energy projects.
• Startup Ecosystem: Notable startups include FreedomGRESS (AI-driven risk assessment), Norwind Offshore (offshore energy vessels), MESPAC (in-situ space analysis), T-Omega Wind (floating turbines), and Aegir Insights (decision-making intelligence).

Methodology: How We Created This Offshore Wind Market Report

This report is based on proprietary data from our AI-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, which tracks 7 million global companies, 20K+ technologies and trends as well as 150M patents, news articles, and market reports. This data includes detailed firmographic insights into approximately 7 million startups, scaleups, and tech companies. Leveraging this exhaustive database, we provide actionable insights for startup scouting, trend discovery, and technology landscaping.

For this report, we focused on the evolution of offshore wind over the past 5 years, utilizing our platform’s trend intelligence feature. Key data points analyzed include:

• Total Companies working in the sector
• News Coverage and Annual Growth
• Market Maturity and Patents
• Global Search Volume & Growth
• Funding Activity and Top Countries
• Subtrends within offshore wind

Our data is refreshed regularly, enabling trend comparisons for deeper insights into their relative impact and importance.

Additionally, we reviewed trusted external resources to supplement our findings with broader market data and predictions, ensuring a reliable and comprehensive overview of the offshore wind market outlook.

What Data is Used to Create This Offshore Wind Market Report?

Based on data provided by the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, we observe that the offshore wind market stands out in the following categories relative to the 20K+ technologies and trends we track.

These categories provide a comprehensive overview of the market’s key metrics and inform the future direction of the market.

• News Coverage & Publications: The offshore wind energy sector produced over 2900 publications last year. This shows consistent media coverage and ongoing research across global markets.
  
• Funding Rounds: Our database records more than 1800 funding rounds. The investment activity remains strong as stakeholder confidence continues to grow.
• Manpower: The market employs over 1.4 million workers and added 58 000 new employees last year.
• Patents: Companies hold more than 14 000 patents, highlighting ongoing technological advancements and intellectual property protection.
  
• Grants: There are over 1400 grants awarded that show active support from public institutions and government-led funding initiatives.
• Yearly Global Search Growth: The awareness of offshore wind technologies is rising, with global search interest increasing by 10.63% last year.
  

Explore the Data-driven Offshore Wind Market Report for 2025

Did you know China’s Dongfang Electric Corporation introduced a 26 MW offshore wind turbine in October 2024?

With a blade wheel diameter of 310 meters and a hub height of 185 meters, it is able to generate up to 100 GWh of electricity annually at wind speeds averaging 22 mph (36 km/h). A single unit is able to power approximately 55 000 Chinese homes or 9200 American homes.

Credit: Global Market Insights

The global offshore wind energy market is projected to reach USD 298.8 billion by 2034, and it is growing at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2025 to 2034.

Credit: Global Market Insights

As per our platform data, the sector recorded a 10.12% annual growth rate. It is supported by over 4200 companies and 110 startups advancing marine renewable technologies.

With more than 14 000 patents and 1 400 grants, the market continues developing turbine efficiency, subsea infrastructure, and floating wind platforms for deeper waters.

Besides, the workforce exceeds 1.4 million professionals, with 58 000 new employees added last year. This reflects the demand for engineering, maintenance, and project development expertise.

Key country hubs include the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway. Additionally, leading city centers for offshore wind innovation include London, Hamburg, Aberdeen, Singapore, and New York City.

A Snapshot of the Global Offshore Wind Market

The offshore wind energy sector continues to grow, recording a 10.12% annual increase. More than 110 startups are driving advancements in technology, innovation, and market adaptation.

Further, over 150 companies are in early-stage development. Meanwhile, more than 400 mergers and acquisitions highlight ongoing consolidation and scaling efforts.

Patent activity remains active, with over 14 000 filings from 4800 applicants. Innovations in floating turbines, subsea cables, and integrated grid solutions contribute to this growth.

China leads patent filings with more than 5700 patents. Further, it is followed by the European Patent Office with over 1600 patents. These trends emphasize the region’s commitment to clean energy innovation.

Further, the annual patent growth stands at 11.27%. It demonstrates the increasing research and development efforts across component design, offshore maintenance systems, and renewable energy integration technologies.

Explore the Funding Landscape of the Offshore Wind Market

The offshore wind energy market continues to attract investment. An average funding round valued at USD 165.7 million demonstrates consistent capital flow. More than 1600 investors are actively participating, which highlights institutional and private interest in the sector’s long-term growth and infrastructure expansion.

Further, over 1800 funding rounds have been completed. It reflects a steady deal flow and investor confidence across different stages of project and company development.

Also, more than 550 companies have secured investments, showing capital distribution across technology developers, infrastructure operators, and service providers within the offshore wind sector.

Who is Investing in the Offshore Wind Market?

The top offshore wind energy investors have committed more than USD 16 billion, reflecting institutional and private support for industry growth.

• European Investment Bank has invested USD 6.2 billion across 11 companies. It contributed EUR 400 million to the development of the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm, which is set to be the EU’s largest offshore wind farm with a 1.5 GW capacity.
• Equinor committed USD 3 billion to 5 companies.
• Société Générale invested USD 1.3 billion into 5 companies.
• Apollo deployed USD 1.3 billion across 2 companies. It invested up to USD 265 million in offshore wind developer US Wind, consisting of convertible debt and equity commitments
• DBS invested USD 1 billion across 3 companies.
• BNP Paribas allocated USD 980.8 million to 9 companies.
• OCBC Bank invested USD 944.3 million across 3 companies.
• NatWest provided USD 802.3 million to 6 companies.
• International Finance Corporation invested USD 798.1 million in 2 companies.
• Goldman Sachs contributed USD 790.5 million across 4 companies.

Top Offshore Wind Innovations & Trends

Discover the emerging trends in the offshore wind market along with their firmographic details:

• Floating Turbines are gaining traction, with 108 companies operating in this space and employing around 6000 professionals. Over the past year, these companies added 500 employees. The trend’s annual growth rate is -0.47%, reflecting a temporary contraction due to infrastructure and cost-related hurdles.
• Wind LiDAR technology is driving precision in wind resource assessment. More than 30 companies employ approximately 3000 professionals. These firms hired 180 new workers in the last year. The trend is expanding at an annual rate of 6.51%. It is supported by the increasing demand for accurate turbine positioning and operational efficiency.
• Wind Turbine Towers play a critical role in offshore installations. It has over 250 companies and they employ over 111 000 people in manufacturing and engineering roles. Additionally, the sector added 5000 employees in the last year. Annual growth stands at 7.87%, and it is driven by the push for higher hub heights and deeper water anchoring.

5 Top Examples from 110+ Innovative Offshore Wind Startups

The five innovative startups showcased below are picked based on data including the trend they operate within and their relevance, founding year, funding status, and more. Book a demo to find promising startups, emerging trends, or industry data specific to your company’s needs and objectives.

FreedomGRESS provides AI-driven Risk Assessment & Optimization for OWF

German startup FreedomGRESS develops AI-driven solutions for offshore wind energy operations and security. Its risk assessment system uses distributed algorithms and AI to detect and quantify threats to offshore wind farms (OWFs). This enables early identification and real-time adjustments.

The startup’s logistics optimization platform applies neural networks and quantitative models to improve vessel activity planning. It addresses the fleet size and mix problem (FSMP) by determining vessel numbers and scheduling while factoring in weather conditions and base locations.

FreedomGRESS improves the safety and efficiency of OWF operations and allows operators to reduce costs, refine vessel orders, and strengthen their market position.

Norwind Offshore builds Vessels for Offshore Energy

Norwegian startup Norwind Offshore operates a fleet of specialized vessels for offshore wind farm development, operation, and maintenance. Its ships, including the Norwind Breeze, Gale, Helm, Hurricane, and Storm, follow the VARD 4 19 design.

They feature 3D motion-compensated gangways, height-adjustable boat landing systems, and hybrid propulsion with battery packs and PM Rim drive thrusters to improve fuel efficiency and station-keeping.

The startup’s vessels integrate Vard Electro’s SeaQ systems, which provide centralized control over alarms, power, and energy management. Each ship accommodates up to 87 personnel to ensure operational efficiency and crew comfort.

MESPAC enables Offshore In-situ Analysis From Space

Italian startup MESPAC provides AI-driven metocean intelligence for offshore wind and ocean energy projects. It combines multi-constellation satellite Earth observation data with proprietary AI algorithms and third-party in-situ measurements to generate refined datasets on wind, wave, and environmental parameters.

The platform reconstructs time series using advanced physical and geophysical models to reduce reliance on traditional offshore surveys. It features interactive dashboards powered by analytics engines, and gives users high-resolution data for site prospecting, auction bid preparation, and operational control.

T-Omega Wind manufactures Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

US-based startup T-Omega Wind builds a pyramid-shaped floating offshore wind turbine platform for ocean deployment. It uses a horizontal-axis rotor mounted on a four-legged steel structure that floats and anchors with a single mooring line, which allows natural weathervaning with wind and waves.

This configuration reduces structural loads and removes the need for active yaw mechanisms to improve performance in shallow and deep waters. The platform’s lower weight, along with its shallow draft and modular fabrication, supports manufacturing in small shipyards and towing without specialized vessels.

Aegir Insights facilitates Offshore Wind Decision-making Intelligence

Danish startup Aegir Insights provides an analytics platform that delivers real-time data, software tools, and expert intelligence for offshore wind investment decisions.

Its product, Aegir Quant, integrates technology modeling, financial metrics, and physical site assumptions to generate precise project and portfolio assessments. The platform uses a continuously updated global database covering more than 60 offshore wind markets. This allows for benchmarking performance, simulating auctions, and evaluating risks.

The startup’s interactive dashboards give users access to detailed data, regulatory insights, and optioneering tools to support strategic planning. Aegir Insights enables developers, investors, and policymakers to optimize capital allocation and accelerate renewable energy deployment.

Gain Comprehensive Insights into Offshore Wind Trends, Startups, and Technologies

The offshore wind energy industry continues to expand. It is supported by favorable policies, cost reductions, and global decarbonization efforts. Emerging trends such as underwater robotics, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and green hydrogen integration are reshaping operations and energy systems.

Get in touch to explore 110+ startups and scaleups, as well as all market trends impacting 4200+ companies.