The construction of the operational and service base in Ustka is not only one of the most important investments in the field of offshore wind energy, but also an example of the extensive use of the potential of Polish industry. Both the investor, PGE Baltica, and the general contractor, DORACO, emphasise that the construction is based on the use of domestic resources and local expertise. The Ustka base will service the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm, which is being built jointly by PGE
and Ørsted.
Numerous companies from the Pomerania and Kashubia regions, as well as other regions of Poland, such as Western Pomerania and Greater Poland, are participating in the project in the port of Ustka. These companies represent various industries, from design to civil engineering from Pomerania and Kashubia, as well as other regions of Poland, such as Western Pomerania and Greater Poland. These companies represent various industries – from design, civil engineering and hydrotechnology, geotechnics, electrical, telecommunications and sanitary installations to specialist works.
Local content from initial concept to implementation
– Our investment in Ustka is an example of the involvement of domestic companies in the construction of modern port infrastructure necessary to service offshore wind farms. This Polish contribution has been visible from the very beginning – from the collection of documentation, analyses and administrative decisions, through the design, to the construction of the facilities – says Bartosz Fedurek, President of the Management Board of PGE Baltica. – However, the construction itself is only the beginning. We believe that the long-term operation of our base in the port of Ustka will translate into the creation of an entire ecosystem of local suppliers and partners, and the people working there will be able to use the services in the city and the region. Such transformations of port towns into thriving centres supporting offshore wind energy have taken place in ports on the North Sea, where operational and service bases similar to ours have been established – he adds.
The main designer of the operational and service base is the Bedra Cichosz Architekci studio from Gdańsk. Wuprohyd, a Gdynia-based office, is responsible for the hydrotechnical part. The Gdańsk-based consortium of Stabilizator and Solitech is responsible for the design of the foundations and specialist soil investigations, ground reinforcement and geotechnical works.
Pomeranian companies at the helm of the Ustka investment
Among the companies involved in the construction of the base are those that have already completed significant investments in Ustka. For example, Krężel from Kobylnica near Słupsk, known for its paving, surface construction and sanitary network works. This company is responsible, among other things, for the execution of part of the field and surface works and surface works at the construction site in Ustka, and has previously made a name for itself in the region for the modernisation of the seaside promenade and numerous infrastructure projects in the coastal strip.
Work on the construction site in Ustka is also being carried out by El Professional from Kębłowo near Wejherowo, a company specialising in electrical installations. In the field of hydrotechnical works, DORACO cooperates with the Kołobrzeg-based company Czerwony Szkwał Maritime Works, which carries out underwater and port tasks.
– We want Polish solutions to dominate this investment, from the foundations to the last element of the structure. We involve local companies at every stage of the work, because this is not only support for the region’s economy, but also a real investment in the development of the competences and experience of domestic contractors – emphasises Sławomir Łapiński, Contract Director at DORACO. – Attention to local content is a priority and a key element of DORACO’s strategy. Our goal is to work for companies with Polish capital, and thus reinvest in the economy of Pomerania and Poland as a whole. What we are doing today is in line with the directions set by initiatives at the ministerial level. Offshore wind is one of the key sectors of the economy that deserves special attention today in the context of local content and the country’s energy future – he adds.
Since the beginning of the project in Ustka, DORACO has been using the services of local suppliers, including in the areas of transport, security, equipment rental, catering and hospitality.
Energy from the sea, profit for the Polish economy
The construction of the base in Ustka shows that the energy transition can be a boost for the local economy and labour market. The investment involves companies from Pomerania and neighbouring provinces, which gain access to new technologies and standards, while strengthening their market positions. For many of them, this is not only a contract, but also an opportunity to develop skills that will allow them to participate in future offshore wind energy projects.
Next stages of construction underway
Work is progressing according to schedule at the construction site of the operational and service base in the Port of Ustka. The general contractor has already completed the foundation work for the office and social building and the warehouse section. Construction work related to the erection of reinforced concrete structures on the ground floor is nearing completion. The installation of floor slabs above the ground floor level has begun on the office and staff building. The first section of the ceiling above level 0 has also been concreted. In November, prestressed concrete girders crowning the warehouse structure were installed on prefabricated reinforced concrete columns in the warehouse hall.
Builders are continuing work on the manoeuvring areas, including the installation of water supply, sanitary, electrical and telecommunications networks, followed by concrete sub-bases, which will prepare the site for the final surfaces designed as steel fibre-reinforced concrete slabs. In the areas designated for the final communication routes, work is underway on laying the road base, kerbs, edging and paving stones. A sheet pile wall anchored with micropiles and topped with steel clamps has been constructed on the quay. After the micropiles were prestressed, backfilling and platforms for reinforced concrete piles were constructed along the quay. Preparatory work for reinforced concrete works in the field of hydrotechnology has begun.
Source: PGE
