Commissioned by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB) in September 2023, this study examines how to combine multiple maritime activities within the same area, particularly in offshore wind farms in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Facing growing pressure on limited marine space, the objective is to propose concepts and recommendations for using space more efficiently while protecting the environment.
The study conducted by s.Pro sustainable projects GmbH with Ramboll and Kiel University of Applied Sciences analyzed 32 maritime uses and their 496 theoretically possible combinations. It examined six priority combinations pairing offshore wind energy with: low-trophic aquaculture (algae, mussels), passive fishing, ecological restoration, and research. The analysis draws on international experience (particularly Dutch) and expert consultations.
The study highlights that multi-use is technically and legally feasible, aided by increasing spacing between future turbines (up to 1,860 m). Main challenges are logistical (specialized vessels needed), economic (variable viability depending on cultivation types), and regulatory. The study recommends establishing limited demonstration zones, integrating multi-use early in spatial planning, and drawing inspiration from the Dutch "area passport" model for guiding implementation.