Heerema Marine Contractors has successfully completed the installation of 100 wind turbine foundations and two offshore substation jackets for the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms in Poland. This significant heavy-lift campaign, conducted in the Baltic Sea over four months, concluded ahead of schedule. The operation involved Heerema's semi-submersible crane vessel Thialf, supported by a fleet of approximately 35 additional vessels for transport, marine services, and offshore construction.
This milestone advances the combined 1.44 GW projects, a joint venture between Equinor and Polenergia, closer to the turbine installation phase. First power generation is anticipated in 2027, with full operational capacity expected by 2028. The scope of work included installing 100 monopiles and 100 transition pieces, each monopile measuring between 50 and 70 meters in length, along with the jackets for the two offshore substations. The campaign commenced in May, reaching its halfway point by early July.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this project highlights the complex and large-scale marine logistics required for major offshore wind developments. The coordination of 35 vessels, including heavy transport vessels, noise mitigation vessels, crew transfers, and grouting operations, underscores the critical importance of precise scheduling and robust supply chain management, especially within tight offshore weather windows. The successful completion ahead of schedule demonstrates effective project execution, which can mitigate risks and improve overall project timelines for future similar endeavors. This also means continued demand for specialized heavy-lift and project cargo services in the renewable energy sector.
Heerema is scheduled to return to the Baltic Sea this winter to install the Bałtyk 2 offshore substation, followed by the Bałtyk 3 offshore substation in summer 2027. These wind farms, located 22 to 37 kilometers off Poland's Baltic coast, will feature 100 Siemens Gamesa 14.4 MW turbines and are projected to supply renewable electricity to approximately two million Polish households once fully operational.