Construction of the operations and maintenance (O&M) base in Łeba for the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms, jointly developed by Equinor and Polenergia, has been completed. The facility has received its occupancy permit and has been handed over to Equinor, which will be responsible for operating and maintaining both wind farms.

Several dozen specialists are expected to work at the base, including offshore technicians and teams responsible for managing and supporting marine operations.

The facility has been designed to support the Bałtyk 2 and 3 offshore wind farms throughout their expected 30-year operating life. It occupies a 1.5-hectare site at the port of Łeba, redeveloped from a former shipyard. The complex includes offices and staff facilities, a remote monitoring and control centre for the wind farms, a spare parts warehouse and infrastructure for coordinating offshore operations. Erbud was the general contractor.

The base is already supporting offshore construction work. Once the wind farms enter operation, it will serve as the centre for their day-to-day maintenance and support.

After construction of the offshore wind farms is complete, the 140-metre quay will be upgraded. The works will allow up to four crew transfer vessels (CTVs), used to transport technicians between Łeba and the wind farms, to be handled simultaneously.

Daily operations and maintenance for both projects will be managed and coordinated from Łeba. The base has also been equipped with photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and a rainwater collection and reuse system to reduce its environmental impact.

Łeba is the closest port to the Bałtyk 2 and 3 offshore wind farms. Its location is expected to facilitate operations and maintenance, with the new facility serving as their permanent operational hub for decades to come. Its handover marks another stage in the long-term presence of the Equinor and Polenergia projects in Łeba and the wider Pomeranian region.

Construction of the foundations for 100 wind turbines and two offshore substations began in May as part of the development of the two wind farms. Bałtyk 2 and 3 will have a combined capacity of 1.44 GW, enough to supply electricity to approximately two million households. The first electricity from the turbines is expected next year, with both projects scheduled to enter full commercial operation in 2028.

Photos: Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 Office press release