111 Baltica 2 foundations completed on schedule

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 co-ordination of the works, and experience in delivering large scale offshore projects.

The Baltica 2 monopiles are up to 100 m long, between 7.5 – 10.5 m in diameter and weigh around 1900 t. The installation of each monopile was a complex logistical operation requiring precise co-ordination of the production and transport process, appropriate preparation of the installation site, the availability of specialist vessels, and suitable weather conditions.

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 co-ordination of offshore activities.

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.

Ulrik Lange, Managing Director Baltica 2 at Ørsted, responded: “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 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.”

Patrycja Kunc - Rozbrój, Executive Vice President of the Management Board of PGE Baltica, commented: “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.”

Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord, concluded: “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.”

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 in 2026, followed by inter-array cables and wind turbines in 2027.

According to the project schedule, first power from Baltica 2 is expected in 1H27, with full commercial operation planned by the end of 2027.

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