Driving Safe and Sustainable Offshore Operations – NEK Advances Standardisation of High Voltage Offshore Connection (HVOC) Systems

The maritime and offshore industries are on the brink of a transformational shift towards fully electric and hybrid solutions. To enable this transition, the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee (NEK), together with its project partners Ocean Charger consortium (led by Maritime CleanTech), Stillstrom A/S, and Kongsberg Maritime AS, are leading the development of new guidelines for Maritime utility connections – High Voltage Offshore Connection (HVOC) systems. Participation from Ocean Charger consortium partners Vard Electro AS and SEAONICS AS further strengthens the process.

These standardisation efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring that vessels and offshore installations can connect safely, efficiently, and reliably – paving the way for sustainable offshore operations.

Supporting the Offshore Energy Transition 

The increased electrification of offshore vessels, such as Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs), is a key enabler for reducing carbon emissions in line with the offshore energy sector’s climate ambitions. By setting clear requirements and guidelines for high-voltage offshore power and charging solutions, NEK and its partners ensure that: 

• Ships can connect seamlessly to offshore grid-to-ship installations 

• Electrical supply capacity is sufficient for propulsion, auxiliary systems, and battery charging 

• Power connections support extended operation with minimal adaptations across different offshore locations 

Standardised HVOC systems will not only improve interoperability but also support expansion of the offshore grid infrastructure and accelerate the shift towards zero-emission offshore operations. 

Ensuring Safety, Efficiency, and Interoperability 

One of the core goals of the new HVOC document is to ensure compatibility across vessels, shore-power installations, and power installations offshore. This interoperability is essential to guarantee fast, robust, safe, and cost-effective grid-to-ship connections. 

The benefits of this approach include: 

• Increased safety through harmonized operational and safety requirements and detailed compatibility assessments 

• Operational efficiency, with straightforward connections that reduce downtime and complexity 

• Future-proof solutions, aligned with international standards and adaptable to evolving technologies 

• Environmental gains, supporting the offshore industry’s move towards sustainable operation by enabling access to clean energy sources at sea and at green anchorage zones 

Meeting the Need for Standards in a Fast-Moving Market 

As the offshore wind and maritime sectors develop more rapidly than traditional standardisation cycles, unique challenges emerge. To meet immediate needs where new technology provides new market opportunities, guidance documents and national specifications can be applied in the transition phase. 

However, the long-term goal is to establish HVOC systems as an internationally recognized standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ensuring consistent safety and performance across different regions — in addition to the Norwegian continental shelf, continental European waters, and UK waters. Standardisation of utility connections for electrical power offshore is a necessity to ensure interoperability between vessels and charging infrastructure, which is fundamental for this emerging market. 

NEK and its partners acknowledge the importance of expanding this work to a wider vessel segment. Standards for low-voltage AC and DC solutions aimed at smaller vessels, such as Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), may follow as the industry adapts to stricter emission regulations. Additionally, standards for maritime utility connections at green anchor zones may be considered in the future. 

Standardisation as a Catalyst for Offshore Market Development 

The standardisation process has been a key tool in both achieving the core goals—safety, interoperability, and sustainability—and in establishing a structured market for offshore power connections. By guiding this innovative technology through a coordinated process, NEK and its partners have created a framework of reliable, harmonized practices that encourage investment and facilitate market growth.  

Standards are continuously revised to match evolving technology and industry needs, adding precision, clarity, and practical relevance. Beyond their technical role, these standards serve as a mechanism for fostering innovation, strengthening competitiveness, and supporting the sustainable transformation of offshore energy operations. 

Expected release of the upcoming HVOC document is within 2025. Stakeholders who have comments to the document or its market segment are encouraged to reach out to NEK. For inquiries, please contact Jan Sølve Stømer. 

Accessibility and Involvement 

The upcoming HVOC document will be free of charge for use and available for re-publication by other national standardisation organizations. This open-access approach promotes widespread adoption, harmonization across borders and acceleration of the technology and market. 

Furthermore, the new document will be formally presented at NEK’s Maritime Conference on February 3, 2026, where industry experts will discuss its implications for the future of maritime and offshore electrification. 

Conclusion 

By leading the development of standardised HVOC systems, NEK and its partners are enabling the offshore energy sector to unlock new possibilities for electrification. The work ensures that vessels can safely and efficiently connect to offshore high-voltage power, setting the foundation for lower emissions, greater efficiency, and a greener future for one of the world’s most vital industries.