Equinor and Polenergia have initiated a new phase of offshore construction with the installation of the first foundations for the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms, located in the Baltic Sea.
The first twelve sets of monopiles and transition pieces have already been safely installed, marking the start of the offshore campaign for these strategic projects for Poland.
The operation is carried out by the Thialf, one of the world’s largest heavy-lift vessels, operated by Heerema Marine Contractors.
Thialf Vessel Leads Offshore Installation
Each steel monopile measures between 50 and 70 meters in length. During the maneuver, the structure is lifted from a horizontal to a vertical position and then precisely lowered to the seabed.
Subsequently, a transition piece approximately 17 meters high is placed on each monopile.
These structures, recognizable by their yellow color above the waterline, constitute the first permanent constructions of the Bałtyk 2 and 3 farms. Together, they will serve as the base for the offshore wind turbines, whose installation is planned for 2027.
Equinor: More Than a Dozen Vessels Involved
The installation campaign requires precise coordination of maritime operations, weather windows, port logistics, and work sequences between vessels.
More than a dozen vessels are participating in the current phase, operating simultaneously, including transport, installation, logistics, and maritime assistance units.
The work is supported by ports in Poland and other European countries. The operations and maintenance base in Łeba also plays a key role as a support center for offshore construction activities and as a maritime coordination point.
Environmental Monitoring During Installation
During the campaign, Equinor and Polenergia apply environmental measures to reduce the impact of marine activities. Before each installation, marine mammal monitoring is carried out, including acoustic control with specialized detectors.
If no marine fauna is detected in the area, a soft start procedure is initiated, allowing mammals to move away from the work zone.
Additionally, during the foundation installation, a bubble curtain is deployed around each structure to reduce underwater noise.
Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, Country Manager of Equinor in Poland, highlighted that the offshore installation of Bałtyk 2 and 3 has already been successfully launched.
Energy for Two Million Homes
Adam Purwin, CEO of Polenergia, noted that Poland’s energy security is increasingly being built around the Baltic Sea.
For the executive, offshore wind energy is entering a stage of tangible progress, as Bałtyk 2 and 3 begin to consolidate as strategically important infrastructure for the country.
When fully operational, the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 wind farms will have a combined capacity of 1,440 MW, sufficient to supply renewable electricity to approximately two million households.
The projects are expected to deliver their first energy in 2027 and achieve full commercial operation in 2028.
Source and photos: https://baltyk123.pl/
