Seabed preparation for the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea is progressing, with 150 kilometers of routes cleared for inter-array cables, according to project developers Ørsted and PGE. The work, completed by Boskalis’ vessel BOKA Falcon, connects turbines to offshore substations and represents a key milestone in the construction of what will be Poland’s largest offshore wind farm.
Key Stage Completed in Baltica 2 Development
The preparation involved geotechnical surveys, ordnance checks, and the removal of boulders up to two meters in size. The BOKA Falcon utilized a T-Rex plough to clear the cable corridors, ensuring safe installation and long-term protection of the cables. “Completing works on the inter-array cable routes means we are closing a key stage of seabed preparation for the connections between turbines,” said Ulrik Lange, Vice President and Managing Director of the Baltica 2 project at Ørsted. “The quality of trenching and corridor preparation directly affects installation safety and the protection of the cables once they are laid. We are now focusing on the next offshore work package, maintaining the pace and sequence of activities in line with the project schedule.”
The next phase of the project will focus on preparing a 260-kilometer route for export cables, which will carry the generated electricity to shore. Bartosz Fedurek, President of the Management Board of PGE Baltica, added that preparation for foundation installation and cable laying is “very advanced,” despite the overall project still being ahead of component installation. The electricity will ultimately connect to a land-based transformer station in the municipality of Choczewo, and then into the National Power Grid.
A Significant Investment in Polish Energy Infrastructure
The Baltica 2 project, with a planned capacity of approximately 1.5 gigawatts (GW), is a joint investment by PGE and Ørsted. Installation of foundations, export cables, and offshore substations is slated to begin later this year. Following these stages, the inter-turbine connection cables and marine transformer stations will be installed. Testing of the onshore transformer station is also planned for this year. Upon completion in 2027, Baltica 2 is expected to be the largest offshore wind farm in Poland, capable of powering over 2.5 million households.
The total investment in the project is estimated at 30 billion Polish Zloty (approximately $7.4 billion USD as of February 18, 2026). The wind farm will utilize 107 turbines, each with a capacity of 14 megawatts, spread across an area of approximately 190 square kilometers. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the scale of the project earlier this year, stating that by 2040, Poland aims to generate 18 GW of power from offshore wind, equivalent to the output of four nuclear power plants.
The completion of the 150km inter-array cable route preparation signifies more than just physical progress; it demonstrates a commitment to a structured and methodical approach to offshore wind development. The sequence of activities – from ground investigation to cable trenching – is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of the wind farm. The absence of unexploded ordnance along the planned routes, as confirmed by contractors, is a particularly important safety consideration, removing a potential obstacle to the project’s timeline.
The focus now shifts to the export cable route, a more extensive undertaking at 260 kilometers. This phase will require careful coordination and execution to ensure a seamless connection between the offshore wind farm and the Polish power grid. The use of vessels like the Ndurance and Boka Ocean for cable laying underscores the specialized expertise and infrastructure required for these large-scale offshore energy projects.
Baltica 2’s development is occurring at a pivotal moment for Poland’s energy sector. The country is actively seeking to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Offshore wind power is seen as a key component of this strategy, offering a clean and sustainable alternative. The project’s success will not only contribute to Poland’s energy security but also create economic opportunities in the region.
The emphasis on maintaining the project schedule, as highlighted by Ørsted’s Ulrik Lange, is critical. Delays in offshore wind projects can have significant financial implications, given the high capital costs involved. The proactive approach to seabed preparation and the efficient execution of the cable route clearing demonstrate a commitment to minimizing these risks.
The Baltica 2 project represents a substantial investment in Poland’s energy future, and the completion of this initial seabed preparation phase is a positive indicator of progress. As the project moves forward, the focus will remain on maintaining momentum and delivering a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy for the country.
