Heerema Marine Contractors has installed the first offshore wind foundations for Equinor and Polenergia on the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects in the Baltic Sea. The first 23 monopiles and transition pieces have been safely installed, marking the start of the offshore installation campaign for the two projects.
This milestone marks the transition from years of preparation to full offshore execution and supports the development of one of Poland’s largest offshore wind projects, contributing to the country’s growing renewable energy supply.
Also read: Heerema’s Sleipnir installs Hornsea 3 jacket and OCS
Thialf to install 100 foundations
Heerema’s semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) Thialf is responsible for the installation of a total of 100 wind turbine generator (WTG) foundations, as well as two offshore substations. At over 200 metres in length and 88 metres in width, Thialf plays a central role in executing this complex offshore campaign.
Thialf lifts monopiles from heavy transport vessels using its two 7100-mt cranes. Each monopile, measuring approximately 50 to 70 metres in length, is lifted horizontally, upended to a vertical position, and carefully installed on the seabed. The Motion Compensated Gripper Frame, installed on the portside of the vessel, ensures precision and stability throughout the installation process, from initial lifting through to final positioning and pile driving.
Once the monopiles are installed, the bright yellow transition pieces of approximately 17 metres in height are placed on top, forming the foundations for the offshore wind turbines. Turbine installation is scheduled to follow in 2027.
Coordinated offshore operation at scale
The offshore installation campaign is a large-scale and highly coordinated operation. At its current stage, more than ten vessels are active in the field, supporting installation, transport, and marine services. This includes heavy transport vessels, noise mitigation and measurement vessels, and multiple support vessels working in close coordination offshore
The campaign is supported by ports in Poland and other European countries, while the operations and maintenance (O&M) base in Łeba plays a key role as a support hub for offshore construction activities and as a marine coordination center.
Also read: Heerema completes first jacket for Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm
Baltyk 2 and 3 wind farms
Once fully operational, the Baltyk 2 and 3 projects will have the combined capacity of 1440 MW to supply two million homes with renewable energy, strengthening Poland’s domestic energy supply. The Baltyk 2 and 3 is expected to deliver its first power in 2027 and be fully operational in 2028.
Picture (top): Heerema’s Thialf installing a WTG foundation for Baltyk 2 & 3 (photo by Heerema Marine Contractors).
