Professional paper
Offshore Wind Farms in the Adriatic Sea: Bathymetric, Meteorological, Navigational and Environmental Constraints
Neno Vulić
; Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Zagreb, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The development of offshore wind farms has become an important component of the energy transition
in European maritime regions, particularly in the North Sea, where favorable natural conditions and
a long tradition of industrial use of maritime space have enabled large-scale deployment [1,2]. In this
context, increasing attention has been given to the potential development of offshore wind farms in
the Adriatic Sea, including the Croatian maritime area. However, the Adriatic Sea represents a specific
spatial, environmental and economic system that differs significantly from the North Sea [13].
This paper examines the justification for offshore wind farm development in the Croatian part of the
Adriatic Sea through a comparative analysis with experiences from the North Sea and the western
Mediterranean. Particular attention is given to bathymetric and meteorological characteristics,
navigation safety, the legal regime of the maritime domain, environmental impacts and socio-economic
effects on tourism, yacht charter and fisheries. The application of floating offshore wind technology
is also analyzed as a potential technical solution for deeper waters, with reference to French pilot
projects [9,10].
The analysis indicates that greater water depths, pronounced spatial constraints, seasonal wind
variability and high maritime traffic density in the Adriatic Sea significantly reduce the technical
and economic feasibility of offshore wind farms compared to the North Sea. At the same time, the
construction of such installations has a considerable impact on navigation safety, limits the general
use of the maritime domain and poses potential cumulative risks to the marine environment and
established economic activities.
This paper provides a qualitative and comparative assessment of structural constraints and does not
represent a site-specific or quantitative techno-economic feasibility study.
It is concluded that, although offshore wind energy represents an important renewable energy source
in certain European seas, under the specific conditions of the Croatian Adriatic Sea its potential
benefits are not proportionate to the associated safety, environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Therefore, offshore wind development in this area should be approached with caution, supported by
comprehensive expert analyses and consideration of alternative energy solutions better suited to the
characteristics of the Adriatic region.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
346312
URI
Publication date:
14.4.2026.
Visits: 117 *