The offshore wind sector in Poland has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the foundation installation campaign at the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms. This project, situated in the Baltic Sea, has seen the successful installation of 100 turbine foundations and two jackets for offshore substations, marking a crucial step in the development of renewable energy in the region.
### Successful Installation Campaign
Heerema Marine Contractors, working in collaboration with the Equinor-Polenergia joint venture, completed the four-month installation campaign ahead of schedule. The company utilised its semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) Thialf, supported by a fleet of around 35 auxiliary vessels, to facilitate the installation process. This operation involved the deployment of 100 monopiles and 100 transition pieces, alongside the two offshore substation jackets, demonstrating a well-coordinated effort across multiple fabrication yards and marine contractors.
During peak activity, approximately 15 vessels were engaged simultaneously to manage various aspects of the installation, including transportation, marine coordination, noise mitigation, crew transfers, grouting, and bolting. This level of coordination underscores the complexity and scale of the project, which is set to contribute significantly to Poland’s renewable energy targets.
### Future Plans for Bałtyk 2 and 3
Looking ahead, Heerema Marine Contractors is scheduled to return to the Baltic Sea this winter to install the topside for the Bałtyk 2 offshore substation. The topside for the Bałtyk 3 offshore substation is planned for installation in the summer of 2027. These substations are critical components of the wind farm infrastructure, facilitating the connection of the generated electricity to the grid.
The wind turbine foundations and transition pieces were supplied by Sif and Smulders, following a contract established in 2024 with the project developers. Additionally, Iemants, a subsidiary of Smulders, is tasked with the design and construction of the two offshore substations, further highlighting the collaborative nature of this project.
### Project Specifications
The Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 wind farms are located approximately 37 and 22 kilometres from the Polish coastline, near the towns of Ustka and Łeba. Together, these wind farms will feature 100 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 DD wind turbines, each boasting a capacity of 14.4 MW. The combined capacity of the project is expected to reach 1.44 GW, positioning it as a significant contributor to Poland’s renewable energy landscape.
The project is on track to produce its first power in 2027, with full commissioning anticipated in 2028. This timeline aligns with Poland’s broader ambitions to enhance its renewable energy portfolio and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
### Conclusion
The completion of the foundation installation at the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms is a testament to the advancements in offshore wind technology and project management. As the world moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, projects like Bałtyk 2 and 3 play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy production in Poland and beyond. The successful collaboration between various stakeholders in this project exemplifies the potential for growth in the offshore wind sector, paving the way for further developments in renewable energy initiatives.
Source: Offshore Wind
