This week, members of the WindEurope Ports Platform convened in Poland’s Western Pomerania region to witness firsthand the country’s accelerating offshore wind advancements. Representatives from some of Europe’s largest maritime ports toured key sites in Szczecin and Świnoujście, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in Poland’s burgeoning offshore wind industry.

Under the banner of the “West Pomerania Offshore Wind Valley,” Polish and international stakeholders have been investing heavily in transforming the Ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście into centers of offshore wind excellence. The vision promises to generate billions of euros in investments and create thousands of new jobs.

Świnoujście: Emerging Installation Hub

A centerpiece of the visit was the future Installation Terminal in Świnoujście, developed by Orlen Neptun in partnership with the Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority. Once a disused shipyard plot, the site is being converted into a state-of-the-art port facility equipped to handle next-generation 14+ MW turbines.

Key highlights:

  • Strategic Investment: The terminal will serve Poland’s first offshore wind farm projects and phase II projects developed by Orlen Neptun.
  • Advanced Infrastructure: Boasting an assembly area capacity of 50 t/m² and storage yards of 25 t/m², the terminal is designed to handle the heaviest and largest turbine components on the market.
  • Regional Impact: Located near the German, Swedish, and Danish maritime areas, Świnoujście’s installation port is set to serve cross-border offshore projects, reinforcing its importance for the broader Baltic Sea region.

Szczecin: Manufacturing Powerhouse

Meanwhile, in Szczecin, delegates visited one of Europe’s most modern offshore wind manufacturing facilities.

  • Vestas began production of 15 MW turbines here in January 2025, underscoring Poland’s rapid ascension in the European wind supply chain.
  • Windar Renovables recently started construction of its XXL tower factory on a 17-hectare site, planning an investment of over €100 million and the creation of 450 jobs.
  • Further Growth: Seven additional wind energy-related companies are in active talks to set up operations in Szczecin’s port area, which already holds the title of Poland’s second-largest seaport and the nation’s largest ferry terminal.

The timing of the Ports Platform visit coincided with other positive industry news: GPB, a Polish manufacturer, completed works on the offshore substations for Poland’s first offshore wind farm. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the region’s continued ascent in the offshore wind sector, driven by strong local government support and cross-border partnerships.

Representatives from WindEurope, the Polish Wind Energy Association, Wind Industry Hub (WIH), as well as key port authorities joined the multi-day program. They emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in furthering European energy security and decarbonization.

With the official opening of the new installation terminal in Świnoujście scheduled for mid-2025 and significant manufacturing activities already underway in Szczecin, Western Pomerania is quickly shaping up to be a cornerstone of offshore wind development in the Baltic Sea region. Attendees at the WindEurope Ports Platform meeting lauded Poland’s dynamic progress, noting that these ports will not only serve domestic projects but also support offshore wind farms in neighboring waters.

As the region prepares for an influx of turbines, investments, and job creation, Western Pomerania’s “Offshore Wind Valley” exemplifies how strategic planning, international partnerships, and robust port infrastructure can accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition and reinforce the Baltic Sea’s role as a major hub for offshore wind.