Competition for maritime zones is growing. International regulations are crucial to finding a balance between different activities in seas and oceans. While offshore renewable energy activities are increasing, most bottom-fixed or floating renewable energy installations are located close to the shoreline and nearby shipping lanes. This paper discusses the possible conflicts between the navigation of ships and renewable energy production activities in seas and, possibly in the future, in oceans. It provides references to international law, guidelines and recommendations from the relevant organizations and examples from practice to specify the current rules and gaps regarding the safety of navigation and the protection of offshore energy production activities and structures at sea.
