Introduction
The global energy system is undergoing one of the fastest transformations in its history, and offshore wind has emerged as a crucial player in that change. Across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, countries are racing to deploy offshore turbines at scale, with projects that rival or even surpass traditional fossil fuel plants in capacity.
In 2025, the industry is not only expanding but also creating thousands of jobs that span multiple disciplines. From engineers who design floating foundations to environmental specialists assessing marine ecosystems, the opportunities are broad and rewarding. At the same time, offshore wind companies face the challenge of sourcing enough qualified professionals to keep pace with rapid growth.
For jobseekers, this presents a unique chance to join a sector that offers long-term security, international mobility, and the satisfaction of directly contributing to the world’s clean energy transition. For employers, it underscores the importance of effective recruitment strategies and partnerships with specialist agencies like Mint Selection.
The Global Offshore Wind Outlook for 2025
Market growth projections
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global offshore wind capacity is expected to increase sixfold by 2030. In 2025 alone, over 15 gigawatts of new capacity is forecast to come online, making it a landmark year for installations. Turbine technology is evolving rapidly, with next-generation machines exceeding 15 megawatts each. This means fewer turbines are required per project, but their design, construction, and maintenance demand highly specialised expertise.
Floating wind is another major breakthrough. Unlike fixed-bottom turbines, floating platforms can be deployed in deeper waters, opening vast new areas for development. The rollout of commercial-scale floating projects in 2025 will further drive recruitment needs, particularly in engineering and maritime operations.
Key regions driving expansion
The United Kingdom continues to lead the way, aiming for 50GW of offshore wind by 2030. Projects such as Dogger Bank, Hornsea, and Moray West are setting records in both scale and innovation. Across Europe, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands remain central players, while Poland and the Baltic states are now entering the market. In the United States, Vineyard Wind and Dominion’s Coastal Virginia project are helping to create a brand-new industry. Meanwhile, China already has the largest installed capacity worldwide, and Japan and South Korea are investing heavily, especially in floating wind.
Policy and investment influences
Government support has been pivotal. In the UK, Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions continue to attract record levels of private investment. In the U.S., federal and state-level tax incentives are spurring development, while Asia is seeing strong policy backing in response to energy security needs. At the same time, traditional oil and gas companies are diversifying into renewables. Their financial power and engineering expertise are bringing momentum to offshore wind, further intensifying demand for skilled professionals.
Offshore Wind Companies Leading Expansion
European Leaders
Vattenfall
Swedish utility Vattenfall is focused on markets in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Its Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects in the UK alone will power millions of homes. Recruitment is centred on construction, supply chain, and health and safety roles.
Iberdrola
Through ScottishPower Renewables, Iberdrola is investing significantly in the UK while also pursuing opportunities in the U.S. and Asia. Its hiring spans engineering, commercial, and environmental disciplines.
UK-Based Growth Players
SSE Renewables
SSE is delivering Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore wind farm. With phases stretching into the late 2020s, the project requires specialists in civil engineering, electrical infrastructure, and offshore logistics.
ScottishPower Renewables
A subsidiary of Iberdrola, ScottishPower Renewables is heavily involved in projects supporting the UK’s 2030 targets. Recruitment focuses on project planning, operations, and stakeholder engagement.
BP & Shell joint ventures
Energy majors BP and Shell are undergoing a strategic shift towards renewables. Their partnerships in the UK, including the Eastern Green Link and offshore wind leases, are creating demand for transferable skills from oil and gas, particularly in engineering and risk management.
U.S. Offshore Wind Developers
Vineyard Wind
A joint venture between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid, Vineyard Wind is the first utility-scale offshore project in the U.S. It is creating hundreds of jobs in construction management, marine operations, and community engagement.
Dominion Energy
Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is among the largest in North America, employing thousands during peak construction. Dominion is hiring for logistics, electrical engineering, and safety roles.
Equinor in the U.S. market
Equinor is developing projects such as Empire Wind and Beacon Wind off the East Coast. Recruitment focuses on project development, stakeholder relations, and marine operations.
Asia-Pacific Expansion
China’s offshore wind giants
China is leading in offshore wind deployment, with state-owned companies like China Three Gorges and Goldwind at the forefront. Their expansion in 2025 is expected to add thousands of technical and maintenance roles.
Japan and South Korea’s emerging players
Both nations are focusing on floating wind due to deep coastal waters. Companies such as Equinor, Ørsted, and local developers are actively hiring engineers and specialists in floating platform design, port logistics, and environmental assessment.
Hiring Trends in Offshore Wind
Roles in Demand
The offshore wind sector requires a wide range of expertise. In 2025, project developers and managers will be critical to coordinating the complex planning and permitting processes. Engineers in structural, electrical, and mechanical disciplines are needed to design and adapt turbines for new technologies. Marine operations specialists, including vessel operators and logistics coordinators, will ensure safe transport and installation of equipment. Grid connection engineers are also vital for linking offshore farms to national systems, while health, safety, and environmental experts safeguard compliance and protect ecosystems.
Skills and Qualifications Employers Seek
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with strong technical foundations, typically in engineering, marine sciences, or environmental studies. Transferable skills from oil and gas, shipping, and construction are highly valued. Digital capabilities such as data analysis and remote monitoring are also in demand, while leadership, communication, and problem-solving remain essential for managing complex, multinational projects.
Challenges in Offshore Wind Recruitment
The expansion of offshore wind is not without difficulties. Skills shortages are widespread, with demand often outstripping the availability of engineers and technicians. Education and training programmes are catching up, but many companies still rely on reskilling professionals from adjacent industries. Global mobility adds another layer of complexity, as projects are inherently international yet immigration rules, relocation costs, and cultural adaptation can slow progress. Without addressing these issues, projects risk delays and higher costs.
Opportunities for Professionals in Offshore Wind
For individuals, the benefits of working in offshore wind are substantial. The sector offers career growth and long-term stability, as global targets for capacity ensure demand well into the 2030s and beyond. Opportunities for international mobility are increasing, with professionals able to work across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Importantly, offshore wind provides a chance to contribute directly to global net-zero goals, making it a career path with both purpose and promise.
How Recruitment Firms Support the Industry
The Role of Specialised Recruiters
Recruitment agencies with expertise in renewables bridge the gap between employers and candidates. They understand the technical, regulatory, and cultural nuances of the sector, making them invaluable partners in reducing hiring timelines and improving retention rates.
Why Work with Mint Selection
Mint Selection is a recruitment firm dedicated to the renewable energy industry. We specialise in sourcing talent for offshore wind companies across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Our expertise spans technical, managerial, and executive roles, ensuring both candidates and clients find the right fit.
By working closely with project developers, utilities, and investors, we understand the precise skills needed at each stage of project development. Our team supports professionals seeking roles that align with their experience while helping companies secure talent critical to delivering complex projects on time.
Contact Mint Selection
If you are a professional looking to join the offshore wind industry, or a company seeking to grow your workforce, Mint Selection is here to help. We offer tailored recruitment services designed specifically for renewable energy. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your next move or hiring strategy.
Summary
The year 2025 is shaping up to be pivotal for offshore wind. Companies across Europe, the U.S., and Asia-Pacific are scaling up their projects, creating unprecedented opportunities for skilled professionals. From engineers and project managers to environmental specialists, the range of roles is wide and varied.
However, the sector’s rapid expansion also highlights pressing recruitment challenges, including skills shortages and global mobility issues. Specialist recruiters such as Mint Selection are helping bridge these gaps, ensuring projects remain on track while professionals find fulfilling careers.
For individuals seeking stable, rewarding roles in a global growth industry, offshore wind in 2025 offers a pathway to long-term success and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition