Offshore Test Site: From testing to real world deployment in the North Sea
2026-03-13
Earlier this week we joined the Offshore Test Site event at Campus@Sea in Scheveningen, organised within the Offshore Proof project. The afternoon brought together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers working on marine renewable energy technologies that will shape the future of the North Sea.
Located only a few nautical miles off the coast of Scheveningen, the Offshore Test Site allows companies to test technologies under real North Sea conditions. Within a maritime testing ground of roughly ten by ten nautical miles, the site helps early stage innovations mature into financeable, scalable and environmentally sustainable solutions while reducing costs and risks.
Campus@Sea presented its vision to support innovation across fields such as renewable offshore energy, sustainable seafood production and marine restoration. Plans are also being explored to connect the Offshore Test Site with the Q13 platform, creating an additional sea laboratory for offshore innovation.
Industry speakers shared practical lessons from testing at sea. SolarDuck highlighted insights from floating offshore solar projects, while wave energy developer WeCo emphasised the importance of preparation and collaboration when testing new technologies offshore.
Mecal Nodes also demonstrated how offshore wind infrastructure can support biodiversity by creating structures that encourage marine life while protecting turbine foundations.
Across all presentations one message was clear. Real world testing is essential to move offshore innovation from promising concept to scalable solution.
To learn more about the Offshore Test Site and opportunities for offshore testing, visit the website Offshore Test Site
Photo's by Sia Windig
