Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic and CRIST Shipyard, based in Gdynia, have initiated the formation of a consortium aimed at delivering state-of-the-art transformer stations for the offshore wind power industry. This partnership will extend beyond transformer stations, encompassing various facets of the offshore and shipbuilding sectors. The collaboration is expected to enhance the supply chain for offshore projects and significantly boost the involvement of Polish companies in both domestic and international offshore wind energy initiatives.
The agreement between Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic (GPB) and CRIST Shipyard leverages the strengths, resources, and expertise of both partners. The consortium’s objectives include the joint development and commercialization of technologically advanced products tailored for offshore wind farms, as well as other offshore and shipbuilding applications. A key focus will be on creating and marketing fully equipped, ready-to-deploy transformer substations that meet the highest industry standards. Both companies are committed to a partnership model that maximizes their participation in Polish offshore wind energy projects, contributing to the national economy and providing favorable growth conditions for the consortium members.
“Offshore wind energy is a cornerstone of Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic’s operations. We aim to broaden our customer base by offering new, more comprehensive products and services. Partnering with an experienced entity like CRIST will enable us to enhance our capabilities and strengthen our position in the value chain of industrial and energy projects, both in Poland and internationally,” said Adam Kowalski, CEO of Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic. He added, “We are also open to collaborating with other Polish companies that have the necessary skills and production capacity, as we believe such cooperation can benefit not only our businesses but the entire Polish economy.”
Irenusz Ćwirko, CEO of CRIST, emphasized, “Poland’s energy transition heavily relies on an ambitious offshore wind farm program. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Polish companies to build expertise in this sector and drive innovation. Together with Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic, we aim to demonstrate that the domestic industry can effectively collaborate and has the potential to make a significant contribution to both current and future offshore wind energy investments.”
Both Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic and CRIST Shipyard bring extensive experience in shipbuilding and offshore projects to this partnership. Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic includes entities like Baltic Operator, the former Gdansk Shipyard, and Energomontaż-Północ Gdynia, focusing on steel structures for wind power, offshore, onshore, and shipbuilding projects.
CRIST specializes in shipbuilding, offshore structures, and civil and marine engineering. Notably, CRIST is the only European shipyard to have constructed three vessels specifically for the erection and servicing of offshore wind farms. The company is also actively involved in major infrastructure and energy projects across Europe, including the construction of the largest underwater tunnel connecting Denmark with Germany, which will feature an 18-kilometer highway and railroad tunnel to enhance connectivity between Scandinavia and Europe.