First foundations installed at Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms

The Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind projects have entered a key stage of construction following the successful installation of the first turbine foundations in the Baltic Sea. The milestone marks the official start of large-scale offshore installation works for one of the most significant renewable energy developments currently underway in Poland.

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25 may 2026   |   12:33   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Polenergia / Equinor

Offshore construction of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 wind farms has entered a decisive new phase after the successful installation of the first turbine foundations in the Baltic Sea.

The projects, jointly developed by Equinor and Polenergia, have now officially launched their offshore installation campaign, with the first sets of monopiles and transition pieces safely installed on the seabed.

Thialf leads offshore installation campaign

Installation works are being carried out by Thialf, one of the world’s largest heavy-lift installation vessels, operated by Heerema Marine Contractors.

The vessel, measuring more than 200 metres in length and 88 metres in width, lifts monopiles from transport barges before positioning them vertically on the seabed using a specialised gripper frame designed to ensure installation accuracy and stability.

Each monopile measures approximately 50 to 70 metres in length. Once secured in the seabed, 17-metre-high transition pieces are installed on top, forming the foundations for the offshore wind turbines scheduled for installation in 2027.

In total, 100 complete foundation sets will be installed across the two offshore wind projects. Later this year, installation of jacket foundations for two offshore substations is also expected to begin.

Complex marine operation involving 12 vessels

The offshore installation phase represents one of the most technically demanding stages of the projects, requiring precise coordination between multiple marine units, weather windows and logistics operations.

Currently, twelve vessels are involved simultaneously in transport, installation, logistics and offshore support activities. Ports in Poland and across Europe are supporting the campaign.

Meanwhile, the O&M base in Łeba is already serving as a key operational and marine coordination hub for construction activities.

Environmental mitigation measures in place

Developers emphasise that offshore works are being carried out under strict environmental protection standards.

Prior to installation activities, marine mammal monitoring is conducted using acoustic detection systems. If no marine mammals are detected, installation begins with a soft-start procedure, gradually increasing hammer energy levels to allow animals to leave the area safely.

Bubble curtain systems are also deployed around each installed foundation to reduce underwater noise emissions.

Executives underline strategic importance of offshore wind

- We have successfully launched the offshore installation campaign for Bałtyk 2 and 3. This is a complex and demanding phase based on close cooperation and precise coordination between multiple teams and vessels. Initial works are progressing according to plan while maintaining high safety and quality standards, said Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, President of Equinor in Poland.

- Poland’s energy security is increasingly being built in the Baltic Sea. Offshore wind is entering a phase of real implementation, and our Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects are beginning to take shape as infrastructure of strategic importance. This is an important step not only for the projects themselves, but also for the development of domestic competencies, a modern economy and the growing role of Polish companies in the offshore sector, added Adam Purwin, CEO of Polenergia.

1.44 GW capacity targeted by 2028

Once fully operational, Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 will deliver a combined installed capacity of 1.44 GW, supplying renewable electricity to approximately two million households in Poland.

First power generation is scheduled for 2027, while full commercial operation of both offshore wind farms is planned for 2028.

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