Feasibility of Different Offshore Foundations for Port Marshalling Operations: A Case Study on Port of Raahe as Sustainable Offshore Hub

Abstract

The offshore wind sector has become a cornerstone of Europe’s decarbonization strategy, with the Baltic–Nordic region emerging as both opportunity and bottleneck. Rapid turbine upscaling to 20–25 MW and the growing weight of foundations, monopiles, jackets, and gravity-based foundations (GBFs) reaching up to 7,500 tons, pose new-scale demands on marshalling ports. This research investigates the feasibility of accommodating such components in cold-climate ports, using the Port of Raahe (Finland) as a case study to incorporate technical, logistical, and sustainability pathways.
A mixed-method approach was applied: (i) survey of 17 internationally active developers, capturing port bottlenecks, infrastructure gaps, and sustainability expectations; (ii) engineering modelling of ground bearing capacity (≥40 t/m²), quay depth (12–14 m), yard layouts (~0.4 ha per turbine set), and electrification (MW-scale substations for electric SGC cranes and e-SPMT fleets); (iii) interviews with experts from BMW Group, AIVP2030, and Sarens engineers on hydrogen, digital twins, and cold-climate operations; and (iv) quantitative analyses of foundation sizes, laydown calculations, and operational constraints caused by ice, storms, and seasonal limits.
Findings confirm three decisive bottlenecks: insufficient quay strength, lack of laydown space, and electrification need. Cold-climate conditions further compress installation seasons and demand frost-resistant pavements, de-icing protocols, and winterized substations. Required upgrades represent investments of €100–300 million per port but also create industrial synergies. Circular pathways, such as recycling decommissioned steel into SSAB’s fossil-free steel production - position port of Raahe as logistical nodes but as well as active enabler of sustainable ecosystems to lead example of circularity in the region.
By integrating developer expectations, engineering feasibility, and sustainability frameworks (AIVP 2030 Agenda, circular economy, hydrogen pilots), this study positions Port of Raahe as a replicable model for medium-sized industrial ports. The research provides a structured framework for harmonized standards across Baltic–Nordic ports, ensuring that infrastructure is technically capable, resilient in cold climates, and socially legitimate within surrounding communities. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that ports are not only bottlenecks but strategic assets in enabling Europe’s offshore wind transition.
Keywords: Offshore Wind Foundations; Marshalling Ports; Port of Raahe; Sustainability and Circular Economy; Cold-Climate Infrastructure; Baltic–Nordic Energy Transition