At the Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Summit (BSOWS2025) in Gdansk, Poland, Daniel Ozon, Advisor to the Management Board of CRIST S.A., highlighted the critical need for a resilient European supply chain for offshore wind. He emphasized the geopolitical risks associated with relying heavily on potentially distant suppliers, particularly in China, and called for greater support for European manufacturers.

Ozon pointed out CRIST S.A.’s extensive experience in building installation vessels for the European offshore wind sector, stating, “maybe not many people know we have a huge track record in in building uh installation vessels. In the past we have delivered more than four checkup vessels uh for the European uh offshore wind. Uh some of them are still building European uh offshore wind.” He then expressed concerns about the shift of industrial capacity to China and the impact of Chinese subsidy schemes on fair competition.

A key concern raised was the geopolitical risk of relying on a Chinese supply chain for vessels needed to achieve Europe’s offshore wind targets. Ozon noted the lengthy four-year construction time for these vessels and questioned the security of this supply in the event of international tensions. He asked, “What happens if there are some tensions in Asia? How are we going to get the Jacob vessels delivered to Europe?“

Ozon advocated for a resilient European supply chain, similar to Denmark’s approach of fostering partnerships across European nations. He also pointed to the growing size of wind turbines and the increasing demand for specialized vessels, indicating a potential shortage if Europe does not bolster its shipbuilding capabilities.

Ozon also touched upon the financial limitations faced by growing Polish companies seeking to expand their capacity to meet the demands of the offshore wind sector. He acknowledged the positive cooperation with Polish banks and the Polish export agency but pointed out the constraints of company balance sheets when trying to secure necessary financial instruments like performance bonds. He suggested the need for external support mechanisms to accelerate the growth of the Polish supply chain regionally and globally.

In conclusion, Daniel Ozon’s address underscored the critical intersection of industrial policy, geopolitical stability, and financial support in building a robust and secure European supply chain for the burgeoning offshore wind industry in the Baltic Sea and beyond. His remarks served as a strong call for strategic investment and collaboration to ensure the timely and secure realization of Europe’s ambitious renewable energy targets. 

The Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Summit 2025 underscored the significance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning in pursuing a sustainable energy future. Key support for the event was provided by Leading Summit Partners PGE Baltica and Baltic Power, along with Official Summit Partners Ignitis Renewables, OW Ocean Wind, the Royal Danish Embassy, Rumia Invest Park, and the Danish Energy Agency.

The next edition of the Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Summit 2025 will be held in Brussels in October, with a return to Gdansk scheduled for March 2026.