On 14 May, an industry meeting was held in Warsaw organized by Polish Chamber of Offshore Wind Energy (PIMEW) and HSE Energy, dedicated to building the future of offshore wind energy in Poland. The key theme was repolonization of the offshore sector, i.e. increasing the share of Polish companies in the supply chain, and developing safety culture.
The potential for development that is already happening
Although Poland already has a huge potential in the offshore area, the real participation of domestic companies in IMF projects (offshore wind farms) is still limited. Often it is not a lack of competence, but of not meeting the international security standards that investors demand. Skipping this stage is a big loss for our economy. This is the lack of developed safety culture makes investments go to foreign companies that have a better understanding of what a modern approach to HSSEQ (Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality) is. Why? Failure to comply with, monitor and regularly update safety regulations leads to a greater risk of accidents and, consequently, financial losses. The new principles of organizational culture want to take care of employees and put them first, which is why it is so important to create ethics that will shape a new, safe culture.
Safety as a foundation
The meeting started in line with the tradition of the industry — from moment di sicurezza, A reminder of the evacuation plan. This is symbolic, but also very concrete - it shows that security is not an addition, but a fundamental pillar of any offshore activity.
There is a lack of common, consistent safety standards in Poland. As noted, in Norway, inspectors are present on site, checking the implementation of the rules in practice. In Poland, it often ends with “folders with documents”. This is the difference in approach and as a result: more risk, more accidents, less investor confidence.
That is why at PIMEW she was appointed QHSE Working Group, which will work on the development of best practices and safety standards, adapted to Polish realities. The goal is not only to meet the requirements, but to build an ethical foundation and values common to the entire supply chain.
Local content is an opportunity for Polish companies
The inclusion of Polish companies in the construction of offshore wind energy is not only a matter of economic ambition, but also of national security. But to become part of the supply chain, companies need to understand that local content is not just a declaration on paper, but a responsibility; for quality, for people, for the environment.
Repolonization can only succeed if we create an environment in which Polish companies can compete not only on price, but on competence and compliance with standards. Investors want to work with companies that understand the importance of training, OSH, digital security tools or managerial responsibility — not just on paper.
The digital future
During the event, modern, digital solutions supporting occupational safety were also presented. Integrated reporting systems, compliance monitoring and real-time risk analysis tools are just a few examples of technologies that can help improve standards. The development of such tools is a step towards more accessible, transparent and effective security management systems. They also comply with European standards and respond to the real needs of the offshore sector.
BETTY
It also works for this transformation BETI (Baltic Energy Transformation Institute) - an NGO whose mission is to support the green energy transition in the Baltic Sea Region, in a way that maximizes economic benefits for Poland. BETI will initiate and coordinate actions in the areas of decarbonisation, the development of green energy generation, technological innovation, transmission infrastructure and local supply chains. The goal is not only the technical modernization of the energy sector, but also the promotion of Pomerania as a leader in sustainable development in Poland and Europe. The President of BETI is Maciej Stryjecki, an expert with many years of experience in the field of offshore wind energy and sustainable development.
Values
We all have the same heads - Artur Ambrożewicz, CEO Vulcan Training & Consultancy.
This phrase perfectly captures the idea of a safety culture: on a construction site, the position does not count, and everyone is equally exposed. A safety culture must start at the highest level, but be present at every level of the company - from the office to the assembly platform.
summary
The development of Polish offshore wind energy is not only investments and technologies. It is also work at the core: education, cooperation, shared values and responsibility. If we want offshore to be truly Polish, we must build its foundation on a culture of security. What is more important than human life?
