All monopiles have now been installed at the Baltica 2 offshore construction site – 107 for wind turbines and 4 for offshore substations. PGE and Ørsted completed this key stage on schedule. The efficient delivery of one of the most demanding offshore operations was the result of precise planning, effective coordination of the works and experience in delivering large-scale offshore projects.
The Baltica 2 monopiles are up to 100 metres long, between 7.5 and 10.5 metres in diameter and weigh around 1,900 tonnes. The installation of each monopile was a complex logistical operation requiring precise coordination of the production and transport process, appropriate preparation of the installation site, the availability of specialist vessels, and suitable weather conditions.
Planning that translated into pace
Before the work began, the Baltica 2 project team conducted a detailed analysis of different delivery options and potential scenarios that could affect the installation process. The preparations drew on Ørsted’s experience in delivering offshore wind projects across multiple markets, as well as the expertise of Van Oord, which is responsible for carrying out this stage of the work. This enabled the Baltica 2 project team to develop solutions designed to minimise key risks related to factors including the installation sequence, the availability of components and installation vessels, logistics, and the coordination of offshore activities.
Greater flexibility through two installation vessels
An important element of the plan was the deployment of two Van Oord specialist installation vessels – Svanen and Aeolus. By combining the capabilities of both vessels with its offshore wind installation expertise, the project team was able to increase installation capacity, optimise the sequence of offshore works and provide greater flexibility throughout the campaign. The integrated approach helped the teams maintain momentum, respond effectively to changing offshore conditions and complete the monopile installation campaign on schedule.
'Completing the campaign on schedule shows how important thorough preparation and the management of dependencies between successive stages of work are in offshore construction. For Baltica 2, it was crucial to plan logistics, vessel operations and the installation sequence in a way that limited the risk of downtime while maintaining operational flexibility. This successful delivery was made possible by a strong team whose expertise, commitment and close collaboration kept the campaign on track. Experience gained by Ørsted through the delivery of more than 30 offshore wind projects across three continents helps us identify potential bottlenecks early and respond before they begin to affect the schedule of the entire project' said Ulrik Lange, Managing Director Baltica 2 at Ørsted.
'Baltica 2 is currently the largest investment project being delivered by the PGE Group and one of the most important energy transition projects in Poland. Each stage completed on schedule confirms how crucial the consistent and comprehensive preparation of this undertaking is. Alongside the offshore work, we are intensively developing the onshore infrastructure, including the facilities required to transmit power from the wind farm to the National Power System, as well as the operations and maintenance base. These are key elements of the overall project that will ensure the efficient and safe operation of the offshore wind farm for decades to come' said Patrycja Kunc - Rozbrój, Executive Vice President of the Management Board of PGE Baltica.
'Completing the monopile installation campaign for Baltica 2 safely and on schedule is an important milestone for the project and for Poland’s offshore wind ambitions. We are proud to have contributed our offshore wind expertise, specialist vessels and experienced project teams to this complex operation. The close collaboration with Ørsted was key to maintaining progress and delivering this phase successfully' said Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord.
Next stages of offshore construction
The completion of monopile installation marks the end of one of the most important stages in the construction of the offshore part of Baltica 2. In parallel, secondary structures required for the future operation of the wind farm are being installed on the completed foundations. In total, more than 400 units will be installed on the foundations, including anode cages protecting the foundations against corrosion, boat landings for service vessels, and internal and external platforms. 75% of these units are manufactured at facilities in Poland.
The installation of the secondary steel structures is expected to continue until the end of 2026. At the same time, preparations are under way for the installation of further wind farm components: offshore substations and export cables later this year, followed by inter-array cables and wind turbines in 2027.
According to the project schedule, first power from Baltica 2 is expected in the first half of 2027, with full commercial operation planned by the end of 2027.
About Baltica 2
Baltica 2 is a 1.5 GW offshore wind farm developed as a joint venture by PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna and Ørsted. In terms of generation capacity, it is one of the largest energy investments currently being developed in Poland and one of the key offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea. Once completed, Baltica 2 will be able to supply renewable energy to around 2.5 million households in Poland.
The offshore wind farm under construction is also one of the key investments strengthening Poland’s energy security. Its delivery will increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time, the project is driving the development of the Polish economy - from ports and infrastructure to the domestic supply chain and new jobs. It is an investment that is truly laying the foundations for Poland’s offshore sector for decades to come.
Baltica 2 is being built approximately 40 km off the coast near Ustka and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2027. The project has all the required permits and a 25-year Contract for Difference (CfD).
Source: PGE
