This comparative review examines how offshore wind energy deployment can be accelerated across the Nordic countries. It provides a systematic mapping of current licensing practices, and identifies the principal barriers to accelerated deployment in each country. The analysis is grounded in an overview of relevant EU/EEA regulations and directives, followed by a review of current practices in each of the Nordic countries. Drawing on experience from other offshore wind markets, in particular the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, the report distils lessons for Nordic policy design and implementation. On this basis, it presents seven recommendations aimed at faster, more predictable and more efficient offshore wind energy deployment in the Nordics.