CRIST Offshore has inaugurated the production stage of the offshore power substation for the BC-Wind project with a ceremonial “first steel cut,” marking the project’s transition into a new phase of execution. The event represents a significant milestone in both industrial and shipyard operations, officially signalling the start of structural component fabrication. For BC-Wind, this also confirms the move into the full implementation stage following Ocean Winds’ final investment decision (FID) and issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

The offshore substation, being built by CRIST Offshore, will be a central piece of infrastructure for the BC-Wind offshore wind farm. It will collect electricity generated by offshore turbines, which will then be converted and exported via an undersea cable to an onshore substation in the Choczewo municipality. The facility will weigh approximately 2,000 tonnes and will be equipped with all the essential electrical systems required to operate the wind farm.

“The first steel cut is a symbolic moment when what has so far existed only as a visualisation or model begins to take tangible form. We thank Ocean Winds for trusting us with such a critical piece of infrastructure. This project demonstrates that Polish companies are ready to execute highly advanced technological investments in the offshore wind sector and play a significant role in it,” said Daniel Okruciński, CEO of CRIST Offshore.

“The commencement of steel cutting for the offshore power substation is a key moment for the BC-Wind project and the execution of our agreement with CRIST Offshore. It marks the transition from the development phase to construction. We are pleased that this critical element of the offshore wind farm infrastructure will be realised in Poland, in collaboration with a local partner with strong industrial capabilities. This milestone also reflects the growing capacity of the Polish supply chain to support offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, while maintaining our priority of safe and efficient project delivery,” added Kacper Kostrzewa, Managing Director, Ocean Winds Poland.

The substation’s construction is a vital component in developing the national supply chain for the offshore wind sector. The project engages hundreds of specialists from the shipbuilding, energy, and engineering industries, enhancing the capabilities of Polish industry in executing advanced offshore projects.

BC-Wind is Ocean Winds’ first project in the Baltic Sea and a cornerstone investment supporting Poland’s energy transition and long-term energy security. Located approximately 23 km off the Polish coast in the country’s exclusive economic zone, the project also involves substantial participation of local entities in the supply chain and port infrastructure, fostering the growth of domestic industrial competence in offshore wind.

The wind farm will consist of 26 turbines with a total planned capacity of up to 390 MW, sufficient to supply electricity to more than 488,000 households annually. The first production of energy from BC-Wind is expected in 2028.