Over 500 piles lay the foundation for Poland’s floating LNG terminal (Gallery)

With more than 500 massive steel piles now hammered into place on time and on budget, Poland’s gas transmission system operator (TSO), Gaz-System, has cleared a critical hurdle for the country's upcoming floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Gdańsk. This work lays the physical bedrock for a project designed to rewrite Poland's energy playbook, bringing the nation one step closer to welcoming its first FSRU vessel by early 2028.

GAZ-SYSTEM has completed the driving of more than 500 piles forming the foundation of the jetty for the FSRU terminal in the Gulf of Gdańsk in accordance with the approved schedule, said to be completed on time and on budget as a key phase in the project to enable Poland to make inroads in launching the second liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the Polish coast. 

Miłosz Motyka, Minister for Energy, commented: “Developing LNG infrastructure directly strengthens Poland by securing its energy supply, boosting the economy, and upgrading the country’s position across Europe. The FSRU terminal in Gdańsk will increase our capacity to import natural gas from global markets and bolster Poland’s role in the regional supply system.

“This project is of particular importance considering ongoing geopolitical tensions and the evolving dynamics of the energy landscape. The significance of strategic investment projects extends beyond the energy sector itself – they also provide a boost to Polish businesses, harness domestic expertise and lay the foundations for stable development conditions for industry and the economy as a whole.”

The installed piles form the basis of the jetty structure and will support the platforms and enable the installation of all the equipment and systems necessary to operate the FSRUs. The construction of the offshore section of the project involves the consortium of companies, including FABE Polska.

Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy and the Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, said: “The completion of pile driving operation for the jetty in the FSRU Terminal in Gdańsk marks another step towards the commissioning of a new gas supply facility in Poland.

“This initiative will effectively increase our gas import capacity by sea, reinforce supply diversification, and create additional opportunities for adaptable response to domestic energy demand. We remain committed to delivering investment projects that enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the Polish economy, thereby reinforcing our energy independence.”

In parallel with the jetty construction, Gaz-System underlines that operations continue to integrate the offshore and onshore parts of the facility, with August 2026 marking the drilling of a microtunnel over a kilometer in length, routed under the forest, dunes, and beach in Górki Zachodnie.

Sławomir Hinc, President of Gaz-System, stated: “We have just completed a critical and highly challenging phase of the project. We faced difficult conditions and changeable weather conditions.

“Nevertheless, owing to the determination of the contractors and meticulous coordination of the works, we have reached this critical milestone within the planned timeline. Now, the terminal features a robust physical foundation. Next, we will be assembling the platforms and preparing for the construction of the subsea gas pipeline.”

A specialized tunnel boring machine (TBM) remained beneath the Baltic Sea seabed following the drilling operation, as it was used for the construction; thus, preparations are now in progress to facilitate its retrieval. A gas pipeline will be laid inside the tunnel connecting the terminal to the onshore part of the facility.

The work on the onshore section is also well advanced, as the Gdańsk–Gustorzyn gas pipeline underwent tests in September, which is reported to have confirmed a high standard of work and the pipeline’s good working order.

Łukasz Radomski, Deputy Contract Director at GAP–FABE–UNITEK Consortium, underscored: “The steel piles driven into the seabed of the Gulf of Gdańsk form the foundation of the structure on which the prefabricated jetty platforms will be mounted along with necessary equipment. Concurrently, a microtunnel spanning over one kilometer was completed, designed for the installation of the gas pipeline connecting the offshore facility to the onshore system.

“The greatest challenge was the seamless coordination of all operation components in one place and at one time; the delivery of materials, the availability of vessels and specialist equipment, and the work of teams at sea and on land. It was precisely this highly efficient logistical framework that enabled us to incorporate engineering solutions into timely project delivery.”

Meanwhile, works are underway to complete the outfitting of the FSRU at the South Korean shipyard in Ulsan, with commissioning scheduled for early 2028. Following the regasification process, natural gas from the Solidarity vessel will be delivered to customers. 

According to Gaz-System, the FSRU program is a strategic project aimed at strengthening Poland’s energy security, enabling the European country to gain an additional entry point for natural gas, increasing the diversification of supplies and system robustness.

The FSRU terminal is designed to enable the offloading of LNG delivered by sea, its regasification, and subsequent in-process storage.