ABSTRACT: The rapid expansion of offshore wind energy, driven by climate objectives and energy security imperatives, presents novel challenges in the Baltic Sea region. In Estonia, the planned construction of offshore wind farms (OWFs) significantly increases the complexity of maritime operations and introduces new risks to national marine pollution response capabilities. While OWFs support the transition to renewable energy, they simultaneously heighten navigational hazards and the potential for pollution incidents in densely developed maritime zones. This study evaluates the readiness of Estonia's strategic marine pollution response and risk management system in the context of planned OWFs. Through 24 semi-structured interviews with Estonian and international marine pollution experts, response vessel commanders and wind farm developers, this research identifies critical gaps in the current response framework. Findings indicate that while Estonia's oil-spill response system functions adequately under standard conditions, it lacks the specialized vessels, equipment, and regulatory frameworks required for effective operations within constrained turbine fields. The study proposes strategic adjustments, including investments in maneuverable response vessels, the development of site-specific contingency plans, enhanced public-private cooperation and targeted training programs, to align Estonia's pollution response capacity with the rapid expansion of offshore wind energy. The article also presents a preliminary framework for developing wind-farm-specific spill response plans and proposes a governance model for multi-agency incident management.

KEYWORDS: Risk Assessment, Maritime Safety, Baltic Sea, Offshore Wind Farms, Oil Spill Response, Marine Pollution, Environmental Protection, Emergency Response

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