“Ready for Offshore” programme to equip Polish companies seeking to enter the offshore wind sector: training, competence development and financing of up to PLN 100 million
In July of this year, electricity generated by an offshore wind farm was supplied to the Polish grid for the first time in history, through the Baltic Power project. This marks the beginning of an ambitious offshore development programme in Poland. In the near future, the Baltic Sea has the potential to become one of the most important regions for the development of new, stable and low-carbon energy sources for the economy. According to Poland’s energy policy objectives, the country plans to achieve 5.9 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, with this potential increasing to as much as 18 GW by 2040. With planned investments reaching PLN 500 billion by 2040, the sector is expected to become one of the key drivers of the energy transition and a cornerstone of Poland’s energy security.
The “Ready for Offshore” programme responds to the needs of the emerging offshore ecosystem and supply chain, including offshore wind investors, Polish companies seeking participation in contracts, and research and development institutions. The programme was designed following consultations with representatives from various industries. These consultations confirmed that Polish companies are ready to enter the offshore market but require support in developing competencies and gaining access to financing.
The initiative is built on two pillars:
Tailored Financial Instruments – ARP S.A. provides companies interested in joining offshore supply chains with a package of flexible financial products, including: investment loans, including loans backed by the InvestEU guarantee, development loans supporting projects financed through EU grants, leasing solutions. These instruments can be combined flexibly to finance investments required for the execution of offshore contracts. In addition, companies carrying out such projects within special economic zones managed by ARP may benefit from corporate income tax exemptions of up to 70% of the investment value for up to 15 years.
Competencies and Certifications – Based on recommendations developed together with PARP, Polish companies can access subsidised training programmes listed in the Development Services Database (BUR). These programmes cover eight key competencies required for participation in offshore projects, including: supply chain entry strategies, tendering and bidding processes, contracting, health and safety, quality management, delivery execution, innovation, and workforce development.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 15 Sep
Announcements are published as a service to readers. The sender is responsible for all content. Announcements for publication can be submitted to announcements@thehanseatic.com.
During the international Industry Space Days 2026 event at the European Space Agency’s ESTEC facility in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, the Latvian Mobile Telephone (LMT) Group and the globally leading space consultancy Novaspace signed a cooperation agreement on the development of a concept for telecommunications innovation platform for Latvia to link the national connectivity sector with the international satellite industry. The initiative follows the successful ESA 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Network Hub model and will explore Latvia’s potential role within this network.
Signing the agreement marks a pivotal step toward creating a hub for developing an internationally competitive telecommunications sector in Latvia. The hub will strategically bring LMT Group into the space industry and impact the emergence of a wider Latvia’s space innovation ecosystem in next-generation satellite technologies, products, and services tailored to commercial applications, resilient critical infrastructure, security, digitalization and green transition. Essentially, the hub will attract national and international cooperation, funding and talent.
The next generation of mobile communications is closely linked to the rapid growth of the space economy globally. The space infrastructure is already gradually enhancing terrestrial networks, and the 6G era of telecommunications will seamlessly link terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The rationale for such development is efficient and resilient connectivity, especially essential in scenarios involving severe weather, power outages or physical infrastructure disruptions.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 22 Sep
Riga. The Latvian national airline airBaltic announces that it has received EUR 140 million as the first part of its previously announced EUR 350 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. The funds were made available following interim approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the U.S. Court) on September 16, 2026, as part of airBaltic’s financial reorganisation under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Together with cash generated from ongoing operations, the financing will support airBaltic’s day-to-day operations and financial reorganisation, as well as the implementation of the company’s new business plan.
Of the EUR 140 million received, approximately EUR 78.9 million will be used to repay existing obligations to Export Development Canada and Axiom Baltic Services. These obligations are secured by airBaltic aircraft, spare engines and a flight simulator. Following repayment, these assets will become available as collateral under the new DIP financing arrangements.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 21 Sep
NestAI, a European AI lab for defence, is opening an R&D centre in Latvia to build defence AI capability alongside the forces and industry operating on NATO’s Eastern Flank. The centre is the next step in NestAI’s growing Nordic and Baltic presence, following the company’s expansion to Sweden announced in August.
As NestAI builds its presence in Latvia, the company is developing the center into a team of 30 scientists and engineers, and has set an investment target of €10 million for the centre over the next few years. The announcement coincides with NestAI’s participation in the Riga Conference on 11 September 2026, where Peter Sarlin, NestAI Founder and Executive Chairman, will meet with Latvian government and academic representatives and speak on European defence AI.
“NestAI’s decision to establish an R&D centre in Latvia is a strategic investment in a sector with significant growth potential. The planned €10 million investment and 30 new jobs for scientists and engineers will bring together knowledge, technology and international cooperation in Latvia. Attracting projects of this kind demonstrates our ability to compete at European level for high-value-added investment,” says Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 21 Sep