Investigating levies and barriers for the development of offshore multi-use platforms in European regional seas

Youssef Zaiter^1*Manuel Lago²Julia Maund²Rianne Van Duinen¹Hatem Chouchane³Sander Van Den Burg³Ariel Araujo²

• ¹ACTeon Environment, Colmar, France
• ²Ecologic Institute, Germany, Berlin, Germany
• ³Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands

The ocean plays a pivotal role in driving economic activities by providing space for these activities such as offshore wind farm, transport, and aquaculture activities. Recognizing its significance as a key driver of the European economy, the European Commission has instituted its approach for the sustainable blue economy (European Commission, 2021). This approach seeks to foster sustainable growth within maritime sectors while mitigating the escalating impact on the marine environment arising from heightened interest in various components of the blue economy, including fishing and aquaculture, offshore wind farms, other offshore energy sources, and transportation activities. Addressing the challenges of limited space and conflicts in the ocean, Offshore Multi-Use Platforms (OMUP) have emerged as a potential solution, aligning with the dual objectives of supporting sustainable growth and alleviating pressure on the marine environment. This paper investigates the barriers and levies associated with the development of OMUP in the regional seas of Europe. Using a comprehensive business analysis framework, the study examines five pilot projects across Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands. By integrating PESTEL, SWOT, and Business Model Canvas methodologies, this research provides insights into overcoming barriers such as high costs and regulatory complexity while highlighting opportunities for innovation and sustainable marine resource use. Findings emphasize the potential of OMUPs to contribute to a sustainable blue economy.