Marine and Offshore Electrical Work: A Lucrative Niche

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician looking for a move that pays well, stretches your skills, and places you in the heart of Europe, Romania is worth serious consideration. For electricians from Global, Romania offers a compelling combination of competitive EU salaries, lower cost of living, and high demand across electrical and construction services. One niche stands out in particular: marine and offshore electrical work. From the Black Sea ports and shipyards to offshore platforms and coastal energy infrastructure, Romania is investing in maritime and offshore projects that need skilled electricians right now.

This guide is written for experienced electricians who want practical, step-by-step insight into relocating to Romania and specializing in marine and offshore roles. We cover the regulations you must know, with a focus on ANRE authorization and EU safety directives. You will find a detailed overview of the job market, salary benchmarks in EUR and RON, the recognition of your foreign credentials, the visa path for Global citizens, and the daily reality of living and working in Romanian cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Constanta, Galati, Mangalia, and Braila.

By the end, you will have a realistic, actionable plan for landing a high-paying role on ships, in shipyards, on offshore platforms, and around coastal energy installations while building a long-term life and career in Romania.

Why Romania?

Romania brings together the advantages of EU membership, strategic location, growing industry demand, and a quality of life that is difficult to match for the cost.

EU membership and market access
- Romania is part of the European Union, which means many EU safety and technical standards apply, and you benefit from the EU-wide supply chain. If you establish yourself in Romania, you can work with employers that run projects across the EU.
- EU directives such as the Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive create a familiar compliance framework for electricians trained in Europe or elsewhere.
Lower cost of living with EU salaries
- Romanian salaries for skilled electricians are competitive relative to the local cost of living. Your take-home pay stretches further, especially outside Bucharest.
- Large coastal and river port regions, such as Constanta and Galati, combine reasonable rents with steady maritime and industrial work.
Demand in marine, offshore, and energy infrastructure
- The Black Sea coastline hosts ports, shipyards, and offshore oil and gas operations. Ongoing and planned projects in offshore gas and the potential for offshore wind create steady demand for electricians with marine and ATEX skills.
- Port electrification, shore power systems, industrial automation, and smart building systems around port logistics hubs all rely on experienced electrical professionals.
Quality of life and work-life balance
- Romania offers a welcoming culture, good food, and access to nature, from the sea to the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta.
- Cities such as Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi have a strong tech and engineering ecosystem, bringing modern workplaces and professional development opportunities.

Job Market Overview

Romania has multiple electrical sectors hungry for talent, and marine and offshore work sits among the highest-paying niches. Below is a grounded look at where the jobs are and what you will be doing.

Marine and Offshore Electrical Roles

Shipyards and vessel construction
- Typical work: cable tray installation, power distribution, switchboard installation and testing, navigation and communication systems integration support, lighting systems, and commissioning. Knowledge of IEC 60092 for electrical installations in ships is highly valued.
- Employers: Damen Shipyards Galati, Vard Tulcea, Vard Braila, Mangalia shipyard, Santierul Naval Orsova, and other specialized yards along the Danube and in the Black Sea region.
- Skills needed: marine-grade cable selection, corrosion-resistant terminations, IP-rated enclosures, fire detection and suppression system wiring, integration with automation systems, testing and documentation to class society standards.
Offshore platforms and energy infrastructure
- Typical work: installation and maintenance of generators, switchgear, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, lighting in hazardous areas, UPS systems, SCADA interfacing, and safety systems. ATEX and IECEx competence are major assets.
- Employers: GSP Offshore (Grup Servicii Petroliere), OMV Petrom, projects tied to Neptun Deep, and service firms supporting offshore maintenance and tie-in projects.
- Certifications and courses: BOSIET, HUET, OGUK or equivalent offshore medical, ATEX awareness or competence, working at height, confined space, and rope access depending on the role.
Port and coastal installations
- Typical work: shore power systems (Onshore Power Supply), port crane electrics, conveyor and bulk handling equipment, lighting and energy efficiency upgrades, substation work, harmonic mitigation, and power quality projects.
- Employers: Port of Constanta operators, logistics companies, crane maintenance contractors, EPC firms delivering shore power and electrification projects.
Offshore wind and renewable potential
- Romania has a strong onshore wind base in Dobrogea and growing interest in offshore wind in the Black Sea. While large-scale offshore wind is at the pre-development stage, electricians with GWO certifications and experience in wind turbines or marine installations will be in demand as regulatory frameworks advance.
- GWO certifications for wind: Basic Safety Training, Working at Heights, Sea Survival for offshore wind roles.

Additional Sectors Complementing Marine Work

Industrial automation and manufacturing
- Numerous industrial facilities and logistics hubs near ports need PLC wiring, sensor networks, control panels, and instrument cabling.
- Employers range from global manufacturers in Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca to local integrators serving shipyards and port operators.
Energy and utility projects
- Substations, MV and LV distribution, and metering projects driven by grid upgrades and industrial expansions.
- Knowledge of medium-voltage switching, protection relay configuration, and commissioning yields premium wages.
Smart building systems and commercial construction
- High-spec hotels, office buildings, and airport terminals require advanced low-current systems, BMS integration, access control, CCTV, and fire detection.
- Cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi host continuous commercial construction and renovation.

Where the Jobs Are

Constanta
- Romania's largest port and hub for Black Sea maritime activity. Expect roles in shore power, port equipment electrics, offshore logistics, and ship repair.
Galati and Braila
- Major shipbuilding and heavy industry centers along the Danube. Damen Shipyards Galati is a key employer, with complex vessel projects requiring advanced electrical installation and commissioning.
Mangalia and Tulcea
- Shipyards and supporting industries with periodic surges in hiring for new builds and refits.
Bucharest
- Headquarters for national contractors, EPCs, and engineering consultancies. Many offshore or coastal projects are managed from Bucharest, with site rotations to ports and platforms.
Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi
- Growth hubs for industrial automation, smart buildings, and manufacturing. These cities broaden your employment base and support year-round work between offshore rotations.

Legal Requirements

For Global citizens moving to Romania for employment, the process is straightforward but structured. Plan several weeks for permits and visas.

Work Permits and Visas

Employer-sponsored work authorization
1. A Romanian employer obtains a work authorization from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). You will provide documents such as your passport, proof of qualifications, criminal record check, and medical certificate. Processing typically takes 30 to 45 days.
2. Once issued, you apply for a long-stay work visa at a Romanian consulate in your country. The visa type is generally D for employment. Processing often takes 10 to 15 days.
3. After entering Romania, you must apply for a residence permit at IGI within 30 days. The residence card is usually valid for one year and is renewable.
EU Blue Card option
- If you hold a higher education degree and a job offer at a salary threshold set for highly qualified employees, you may qualify for an EU Blue Card. While more common for engineers, it can apply to senior electrical specialists. The Blue Card simplifies mobility within the EU after certain conditions are met.
Seafarers and offshore exceptions
- If you are contracted by a non-Romanian employer for work on foreign-flag vessels outside Romania, different rules may apply. However, for relocation to Romania with a Romanian employer, plan on the standard work authorization and residence permit route.

Tax and Social Insurance Registration

Once employed in Romania, you will be registered for social contributions and income tax.
Personal income tax is generally 10% on taxable income. Employee social contributions include pension and health. Employers contribute a small percentage for work insurance.
There are special tax allowances for certain sectors such as construction that may reduce income tax and some contributions if the employer and role qualify. Marine and shipyard roles sometimes qualify under specific activity codes, but this is case-specific. Confirm eligibility with your employer or a Romanian accountant.

Certification and License Recognition

Romania regulates electricians through the national energy authority, ANRE. If you plan to work on installations in Romania, you will likely need ANRE authorization, especially for design, execution, or operation roles. At the same time, marine and offshore projects may also require international certifications such as ATEX, STCW, and offshore survival training.

Understanding ANRE Authorization

ANRE is the energy regulator that authorizes electricians and electrical companies. Authorizations are structured by grade and scope. While exact descriptions are set by ANRE orders and may be updated, the common framework includes:

Grade I: authorizes work primarily on low voltage systems, typically up to 1 kV, often focused on operation and maintenance of consumers installations.
Grade II: extends low voltage work to more complex systems and may include additional responsibilities across design or execution depending on subtype.
Grade III: covers medium voltage installations, often up to around 20-30 kV, including execution and operation responsibilities.
Grade IV: covers high voltage installations above medium voltage levels.

Authorizations frequently have subtypes such as A for design and B for execution, or similar distinctions. Always verify the current scope on ANREs official website before applying.

Important Romanian norms and standards include:

Normativ I7 for building electrical installations
SR HD 60364 for low voltage electrical installations
SR EN 60204-1 for machinery electrical safety

For marine projects, expect to work under additional standards such as IEC 60092 series and classification society rules from DNV, Lloyds Register, or Bureau Veritas.

Converting or Validating Foreign Credentials

If you hold electrician licenses from your home country, they do not automatically grant ANRE authorization. You will need to apply to ANRE, submit diplomas and proof of experience, and often pass an exam.
Documents may require certified translations into Romanian. Your employer or a relocation consultant can help identify recognized translators.
If you hold a formal technical education, the National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas may be involved in recognizing your education level, especially for design roles.

Safety and Specialized Certifications

The following are frequently requested for marine and offshore projects in Romania:

ATEX training or competence for work in explosive atmospheres (Zones 0, 1, 2)
BOSIET and HUET for offshore access and safety
OGUK or equivalent offshore medical certificate
STCW Basic Safety Training for seagoing roles
Working at height, rope access, and confined space certifications depending on site scope
GWO Basic Safety Training for wind projects, plus GWO Sea Survival for offshore wind

Note the potential for confusion between ANRE, the energy regulator, and the maritime authority, Autoritatea Navala Romana. Both abbreviate to ANR in different contexts. In this guide, ANRE refers to the energy regulator that authorizes electricians. The maritime authority manages seafarer certification and vessel regulation.

EU Directives and Romanian Standards That Matter

Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (for electrical parts of machinery)
ATEX 2014/34/EU for equipment used in explosive atmospheres
IEC 60092 for ship electrical installations
Romanian national norms such as Normativ I7 and SR standards adopted from EN and IEC

If your tools and equipment carry CE marking and meet EU directives, you will be well positioned. Ensure test instruments conform to IEC 61010 and carry appropriate CAT ratings for the environments you work in.

Salary and Benefits

Romania offers attractive pay for marine and offshore roles relative to the cost of living, with the highest compensation typically found in offshore rotations and specialized shipyard commissioning work.

Note: The figures below are indicative ranges. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, project complexity, employer size, and location.

Marine shipyard electrician
- Gross salary range: 1,200 to 2,500 EUR per month (5,960 to 12,400 RON) for experienced hands-on roles
- With overtime and allowances: 1,600 to 3,200 EUR per month possible
- Senior roles in commissioning or supervision can exceed 3,500 EUR gross
Offshore electrician or E&I technician
- Day rates: 150 to 300 EUR per day depending on scope, ATEX competence, and rotation schedule
- Monthly equivalent for rotations: 3,000 to 6,000 EUR during active months, with off-rotation unpaid or partially paid depending on contract
Industrial automation and MV specialist
- Gross salary range: 1,800 to 3,500 EUR per month, higher for project-specific commissioning
Smart buildings and commercial projects
- Gross salary range: 1,200 to 2,500 EUR per month, with bonuses for BMS integration and low-current systems expertise

Typical benefits and extras:

Overtime pay at enhanced rates
Per diems for travel or site work, subject to Romanian tax thresholds
Accommodation and transport provided for remote or offshore projects
Private health insurance and medical checks funded by the employer
Paid training for safety certifications such as BOSIET, HUET, and ATEX
Personal protective equipment and tool allowances

Romanias personal income tax is generally 10%. Employee social contributions apply for pension and health. The net take-home from gross will vary depending on allowances and whether you fall under special sector tax incentives. Offshore day-rate contracts may be structured differently; always consult a local accountant to optimize legally.

Cost of Living

Romania is affordable by EU standards, which helps you maximize savings from strong marine and offshore wages.

Estimated monthly costs for a single professional electrician vary by city. The figures below assume comfortable but not extravagant living.

Bucharest
- Rent for 1-bedroom apartment: 500 to 900 EUR in central or popular areas, 400 to 650 EUR in outlying districts
- Utilities and internet: 100 to 170 EUR depending on season and consumption
- Public transport pass: around 15 to 20 EUR per month
- Dining out: mid-range meal 8 to 12 EUR; coffee 2 to 3 EUR
Cluj-Napoca
- Rent: 450 to 800 EUR central, 350 to 650 EUR outside center
- Utilities and internet: 90 to 150 EUR
- Public transport pass: roughly 12 to 18 EUR
Timisoara
- Rent: 400 to 700 EUR central, 320 to 550 EUR outside center
- Utilities and internet: 80 to 140 EUR
Iasi
- Rent: 350 to 600 EUR central, 300 to 500 EUR outside center
- Utilities and internet: 80 to 130 EUR
Constanta
- Rent: 350 to 650 EUR depending on season and proximity to the sea
- Utilities and internet: 90 to 150 EUR
- Strong seasonal effects due to tourism; book early or negotiate long-term leases for better rates

Groceries are affordable, with a monthly budget of 150 to 250 EUR for a single person depending on diet. Fuel prices track EU averages. Overall, many electricians save a substantial percentage of income, especially when accommodation and per diems are included for site-based work.

Cultural Integration

Romania is welcoming and culturally diverse, with many English speakers in technical roles. Still, a few basics smooth the transition.

Language
- Romanian is a Romance language with Latin roots. Picking up workplace vocabulary helps a lot, especially if you plan to take ANRE exams, which are typically in Romanian.
- Learn greetings and site basics: Buna ziua, Multumesc, Pericol, Opriti alimentarea, Verificare tensiune, Zona ATEX.
Workplace culture
- Professionalism and punctuality are valued. Documentation and adherence to procedures are important, especially on marine and offshore sites subject to audits and class inspections.
- Hierarchies exist but are not rigid. Foremen and site managers appreciate proactive communication and a safety-first mindset.
- Coffee breaks and shared meals help relationship-building. A few words in Romanian go a long way.
Safety culture
- PPE compliance is taken seriously. Expect enforcement of lockout-tagout on industrial and marine sites, hot work permits, and toolbox talks.
- Offshore and shipyard environments have elevated risk; near-miss reporting and daily briefings are standard.
Living day-to-day
- Mobile banking and payments are widely used. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to obtain with ID.
- Public transport is reliable in major cities. Intercity trains and buses link to Constanta, Galati, and other hubs.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow these steps to move from interest to a signed contract and a work visa.

Research the niche and target locations
- Focus on Constanta for port and offshore staging work, Galati and Mangalia for shipyard roles, and Bucharest for EPC and project management hubs.
- Review recent projects such as Black Sea offshore developments and port electrification initiatives.
Align your certifications
- If you plan marine or offshore work, schedule BOSIET and HUET, and secure an OGUK or equivalent medical.
- Complete ATEX training if you will work in hazardous areas. Renew GWO certificates for wind roles if applicable.
Prepare for ANRE authorization
- Collect diplomas, transcripts, and letters of experience. Arrange certified translations to Romanian.
- Study Romanian standards such as Normativ I7 and SR HD 60364. If your Romanian language is basic, consider a language course focused on technical vocabulary.
- Identify a training center or employer that can sponsor or guide your ANRE application and exam.
Update your CV and portfolio
- Emphasize marine and offshore projects, hazardous area work, MV experience, and commissioning achievements.
- List standards you have worked under: IEC 60092, ATEX, class rules, and relevant EU directives.
Apply to the right employers
- Shipyards: Damen Shipyards Galati, Vard yards in Tulcea and Braila, Mangalia shipyard
- Offshore and marine contractors: GSP Offshore, OMV Petrom and associated contractors, port service firms in Constanta
- EPCs and integrators in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara for automation and power projects
Secure a written job offer
- Ensure the offer details salary, allowances, rotation patterns for offshore, accommodation, transport, and training support.
- Confirm whether the role qualifies for any construction sector tax incentives.
Start the work authorization process
- Your employer submits for the work authorization with IGI. Provide your documents promptly.
- Once approved, apply for the D employment visa at the Romanian consulate in your country.
Arrive and register
- Travel to Romania with your visa. Secure accommodation and register your address.
- Apply for your residence permit at IGI within 30 days. Book your appointment early.
Begin work and continue certification
- Complete site inductions, medicals, and safety courses.
- Progress your ANRE authorization and any additional specializations such as MV switching or confined space.
Plan long-term

After a year, renew your residence permit. Consider permanent residence eligibility after five years.
Build networks in port cities and with class society inspectors. These relationships often lead to better-paying assignments.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Learn targeted Romanian
- Focus on technical and safety phrases first. You can work effectively in English on many sites, but Romanian helps with ANRE and daily operations.
Respect local standards and documentation
- Romanian projects often require detailed as-built documentation. Get used to recording test results, torque values, and cable routes.
Bring or buy the right tools
- Romania uses 230 V 50 Hz systems, Type F outlets, and EU color codes: brown for live, blue for neutral, green-yellow for protective earth. Ensure your tools and chargers are CE marked and suitable for 230 V.
Understand the voltage and code differences
- If you are coming from a 110 V environment, pay attention to EU color coding, breaker curves, and surge protection practices under SR HD 60364 and local norms.
Build credibility with class inspectors
- In shipyards, class societies such as DNV and Lloyds Register inspect critical systems. Be ready with documentation and test certificates for cables, switchgear, and protective devices.
Choose the right base city
- Constanta, Galati, and Mangalia are ideal for marine work. Bucharest is strong for corporate roles and EPCs. Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer year-round industrial and building projects that keep your income steady between offshore rotations.
Use recruitment agencies with marine focus
- Specialized recruiters can match you with offshore rotations and shipyard commissioning jobs. Ask for references and confirm their familiarity with ANRE and offshore requirements.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Romanian standards differ from your home country
- Solution: Study Normativ I7 and SR HD 60364, and lean on experienced local colleagues. Attend a short course if available.
Language barrier on technical exams
- Solution: Take a focused Romanian course. Learn unit conversions, safety terms, and electrical vocabulary; practice past ANRE questions if available.
Tool certification and compliance
- Solution: Ensure your instruments are CE marked with appropriate CAT ratings. Keep calibration certificates handy for inspections.
Documentation for work permits
- Solution: Prepare documents early, keep certified translations, and respond quickly to employer requests to avoid delays.
Offshore medical and training schedules
- Solution: Book medicals and BOSIET well in advance. Maintain a training matrix and keep certificates valid.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Marine and offshore electrical work in Romania offers a rare blend of high pay, steady demand, and career growth at the crossroads of the EU and the Black Sea. From shipyards in Galati and Mangalia to offshore platforms served from Constanta, Romania needs skilled electricians who can deliver safely and to international standards. Add to that an affordable cost of living and a welcoming culture, and the case for relocating is strong.

If you are an experienced electrician from Global, now is the time to act. Update your CV, align your certifications, connect with Romanian employers, and start the work authorization process. With the right preparation, you can secure a role that pays well, builds your skills, and sets you up for long-term success in the EU.

FAQ

1) Do I need ANRE authorization to work on marine and offshore projects in Romania?

If you are employed in Romania to perform electrical design, execution, or operation on installations within Romanian jurisdiction, ANRE authorization is often required. For shipboard work and offshore platforms, employers may also require international certifications such as ATEX and STCW or BOSIET depending on the site. Always confirm the exact scope with your employer. In general, ANRE is the pathway for legally recognized work on Romanian electrical installations.

2) What is the difference between ANRE and the maritime authority?

ANRE is the national energy regulator that authorizes electricians and electrical companies for work on electrical installations in Romania. The maritime authority, Autoritatea Navala Romana, regulates seafarers, ships, and maritime operations. For electricians, think ANRE for land-based and local jurisdiction electrical authorization, and maritime authority matters for seafarer documents and vessel compliance.

3) Can I work in Romania without speaking Romanian?

You can get hired in multinational firms and offshore projects where English is commonly used on site. However, Romanian helps you pass ANRE exams and integrate with local teams. Learning basic technical vocabulary and safety phrases is strongly recommended and will improve your prospects.

4) What are typical salaries for offshore electricians in Romania?

Day rates typically range from 150 to 300 EUR depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. With rotations, monthly income during active periods can reach 3,000 to 6,000 EUR. Shipyard electricians may earn 1,200 to 2,500 EUR gross per month, with higher pay for commissioning and supervision.

5) What safety certifications should I have for offshore work?

BOSIET, HUET, and an OGUK or equivalent medical are standard. ATEX competence is often mandatory for hazardous areas. For offshore wind, add GWO Basic Safety Training and GWO Sea Survival. Working at height and confined space training may also be required depending on the site.

6) How long does the Romanian work permit process take for Global citizens?

Expect 30 to 45 days for the employer to obtain the work authorization from IGI, followed by about 10 to 15 days for the long-stay employment visa at a Romanian consulate. After arrival, apply for the residence permit within 30 days. Timelines can vary by workload and season, so apply early.

7) Will my foreign electrician license be recognized in Romania?

Foreign licenses are not automatically recognized. You will typically need to apply for ANRE authorization, submit proof of education and experience with certified translations, and pass an exam. Employers may support this process, especially if they have ongoing needs for authorized electricians.

8) What electrical standards and voltages should I expect in Romania?

Romania uses 230 V 50 Hz single-phase and 400 V three-phase systems. EU color coding applies: brown live, blue neutral, green-yellow protective earth. Standards include SR HD 60364 for low voltage, Normativ I7 for buildings, SR EN 60204-1 for machinery, and IEC 60092 for ships. ATEX rules apply in hazardous areas.

9) Are there tax incentives for electricians in construction or marine work?

Romania has sector-specific incentives, including for the construction sector, that can reduce income tax and some contributions if employer and role meet eligibility criteria. Whether shipyard or marine roles qualify depends on the employer's activity codes and the nature of the work. Ask your employer and a local accountant to confirm eligibility and optimize your contract structure.

10) Which Romanian cities should I choose for a marine-focused career?

Constanta is the top choice for port and offshore logistics. Galati and Mangalia offer strong shipyard employment. Tulcea and Braila have active yards and suppliers. Bucharest hosts EPCs and national headquarters, while Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi offer broader industrial and building work that can complement marine rotations.

11) What challenges will I face switching to EU standards from a 110 V background?

Expect differences in voltage levels, protective device selection, and wiring color codes. Learn EU breaker curves, RCD usage, surge protection, and equipotential bonding practices. Get comfortable with SR HD 60364 and IEC conventions, and verify your test gear is rated and calibrated for EU systems.

12) How do I make my job applications stand out?

Highlight ATEX and offshore safety certifications, marine standards experience, commissioning achievements, and any work with class inspectors. Show familiarity with Romanian norms and a plan to obtain ANRE authorization. Tailor your CV to the specific role and region, whether shipyard installs in Galati or offshore platform maintenance from Constanta.