Maritime Multi-Use Approach in The Baltic Sea Region: Offshore Wind Energy and Tourism Cases

Abstract

This research aims at analysing maritime spatial planning (MSP) development in the countries of the Baltic Sea Region through the lens of the concept of a multi-use approach to maritime space. Special focus is on the offshore wind energy and coastal and offshore tourism sectors. The goal is to contribute to the progress of a sustainable blue economy. The research methods used include analysis (using such techniques as monographic, dogmatically comparable, and special analytical) and synthesis through examination of marine plans, regional and national policy documents, and MSP-related legislation in the European Union Member States of the Baltic Sea Region. The results of the research confirm that in a contemporary understanding a holistic multi-use approach to maritime space forms an integral part of MSP for resource and space sharing between two or more activities with the aim of benefiting all users. Conceptually, it evidences the emergence of the multi-use principle in the MSP process. However, while offshore wind development is prominently prioritised in the currently adopted marine plans, accentuation of applying the multi-use principle is rather cautious. In this aspect, knowledge transfer from countries with longer-established experience in offshore wind development and its combination with other activities, such as tourism, is crucial. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that large-scale offshore renewable energy and the concept of multi-use maritime space will also mark the long-term future development of MSP in line with global and European Union targets for achieving carbon neutrality and zero pollution, promoting the circular economy, and restoring biodiversity by 2050.