Van Oord completes 111 monopile
Van Oord has finished installing 111 monopile foundations for the 1.5 GW Baltica 2 offshore wind farm in Poland, a project by PGE and Ørsted expected to
Marine contractor Van Oord has successfully installed all 111 monopile foundations for the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm in Poland. The work, completed safely and on schedule, involved 107 foundations for turbines and four for offshore substations.
This milestone concludes one of the most demanding marine construction campaigns in the Baltic Sea. The 1.5 GW wind farm is a joint development by Polish energy group PGE and Danish firm Ørsted. Once operational, it is projected to generate enough renewable electricity to supply approximately 2.5 million Polish households.
Project Execution and Planning
Van Oord served as the main contractor for the transport and installation of the foundations and scour protection. Before work began, the Baltica 2 project team conducted a detailed analysis of delivery options and potential scenarios that could affect installation. Preparations drew on Ørsted's experience in executing offshore wind projects across various markets and Van Oord's expertise as the phase lead.
This collaborative approach enabled the team to develop solutions aimed at minimizing key risks related to installation sequence, component and vessel availability, logistics, and offshore activity coordination. The strategy facilitated the safe and timely installation of all 111 foundations.
Foundation Specifications and Installation
The monopiles for Baltica 2 are substantial structures. Their installation required tight coordination across the entire supply chain.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 100 meters |
| Diameter | Between 9.5 and 10.5 meters |
| Weight | Approximately 1,900 tonnes each |
A key factor in the project's success was the deployment of Van Oord's specialized offshore installation vessels, the Svanen and the Aeolus. By combining the capabilities of both vessels with its extensive offshore wind experience, the company maximized installation efficiency and maintained a steady pace throughout the campaign. Using two vessels allowed multiple parallel activities, enhancing offshore operational efficiency and helping keep the project on schedule.
Company Statement and Market Role
“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,” said Maurits den Broeder, Van Oord’s Director of Offshore Wind. “We are proud to have brought our offshore wind expertise, our specialized vessels, and our experienced project teams to this complex operation.”
The successful completion reinforces Van Oord's growing role in Poland's emerging offshore wind sector. Building from its involvement in the Baltic Power offshore wind farm, its first project in Poland, Van Oord is establishing a strong track record in one of Europe's most promising offshore wind markets. As offshore wind deployment accelerates in the Baltic Sea, projects like Baltic Power and Baltica 2 demonstrate Van Oord's long-term commitment to Poland.
