Wolin East oil exploration in the Baltic Sea sparks regional concerns

Preparations for oil and gas exploration are underway in the Baltic Sea near Świnoujście, Poland, following the discovery of potential reserves at the ‘Wolin East’ field by Central European Petroleum (CEP). The Maritime Office in Szczecin has issued a navigational warning for the Pomeranian Bay, recommending that transit navigation, anchoring, fishing, and research be suspended in the designated area starting October 1, 2026.

The project has raised significant transboundary concerns. German authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and environmental organizations, including BUND, have expressed apprehension regarding the scale of the planned infrastructure, which could include a 10-hectare artificial island, a drilling platform, and a port. Concerns focus on the potential impact on Natura 2000 protected areas, marine life such as porpoises and seals, and the local tourism industry on the German island of Usedom.

Additionally, Denmark has been notified under the Espoo Convention due to the potential for cross-border environmental effects. Current activities are exploratory and aimed at gathering geological data to determine if the estimated 22 million tons of oil can be industrially extracted.