Baltic 2 and Baltic 3. The first foundations of turbines already at sea

Construction of offshore wind farmsBaltic 2andBaltic 3, implemented by Equinor and Polenergia, reached another important stage. The first foundations for wind turbines were successfully installed in the Baltic Sea.

The first dozen sets of monopals and transition elements were safely embedded in the seabed, which means the start of essential installation work at sea.

Thialf installs turbine foundationsBaltic 2andBaltic 3

The work is carried out by one of the world's largest installation ships – Thialf, operated by Heerem Marine Contractors. A vessel over 200 m long and 88 m wide raises monopals from a transport ship set next to it. Each steel monopal, about 50-70 metres long, is lifted from horizontal to vertical position and then installed in the seabed using a specialized gripping frame, ensuring precision andinstallation stability.

After mounting monopals in the ground on their top, transitional elements, the so-called transition furnaces, are mounted, about 17 m high. Together they form the foundations for offshore wind turbines, whose installation is scheduled for 2027. Characteristic yellow structures visible above the water line are the first permanent elements of the projectsBaltic 2andBaltic 3in the Baltic Sea.

100 foundations and 12 ships under constructionBaltic 2andBaltic 3

A total of 100 foundation sets will be installed as part of the installation work at sea. Also planned this year is the installation of jack support structures for the platforms of two offshore power stations.

The phase of the installation of components at sea requires high precision, good coordination of maritime activities, favourable weather conditions and an efficient ship work schedule. At this stage, twelve auxiliary units are involved in transport, assembly, logistics and support of work at sea. All ships operate in accordance with stringent safety and quality requirements.

Installation work at sea is supported by ports in Poland and other European countries. An important role is also played by the O&M service base in Łeb, which already serves as a support centre for maritime construction works and a centremaritime coordination.

Environment and energy for 2 million households

The work also maintains high environmental standards. Before the installation begins, the presence of marine mammals shall be controlled, including hydroacoustic listening using acoustic detectors. If they are not found to be present in the work area, the installation starts with a gradual start-up procedure(soft-start).

The procedure is to gradually increase the energy of hammer impacts, and thus the level of underwater noise emitted, which gives marine mammals time to distance themselves from the zone in which the work is carried out. In addition, a bubble curtain is launched around each installed foundation, whose task is to suppress underwater noise generated during work.

When full operational capacity is reached, offshore wind farmsBaltic 2andBaltic 3will have a total power of 1440 MW. This will provide green energy for about 2 million households in Poland, strengthening the national energy transformation and energy security of our country.

These projectsare to supply the first energy in 2027, and their full commissioning is scheduled for 2028.

Source: Baltic 123