Ship collision and offshore renewable energy: Challenges and innovations for structural resilience

Review article, 2026

The rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy installations, such as wind farms, tidal turbines, and wave energy converters, has increased concerns regarding ship collision risks. As maritime traffic intensifies, understanding the impact of vessel collisions on these structures is crucial for ensuring operational safety and structural resilience. This review thoroughly analyses ship collisions with offshore renewable structures, concentrating on risk assessment methodologies, structural response mechanisms, and mitigation strategies. Various numerical and experimental approaches for impact modelling are examined, alongside advanced materials and design innovations aimed at improving collision resistance. Furthermore, current regulatory frameworks and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven collision avoidance systems, are discussed. The review identifies key challenges and future research directions, emphasising the need for integrated monitoring systems and predictive modelling to enhance offshore energy infrastructure safety. This study provides a foundation for engineers, policymakers, and researchers to develop more resilient offshore renewable energy solutions in response to increasing maritime activity.