A commanding return: former CO of KNM Stord revisits his submarine decades later

The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia recently hosted a special guest whose professional journey is deeply intertwined with one of its most significant new exhibits. Hans Christoffer Lauritzen, now director of the Norwegian maritime data company PRIMAR—an organization cooperating closely with the Polish Navy—returned to the submarine on which he had once served during his naval career.

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14 november 2025   |   08:55   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej

Lauritzen’s connection with the vessel dates back to the early 1990s, when the boat was still part of the Royal Norwegian Navy under the name KNM Stord (S-308). As the museum notes, “We recently had the pleasure of welcoming an exceptional visitor from Norway – Hans Christoffer Lauritzen, now the director of PRIMAR, which works closely with the Polish Navy.”

Leadership years aboard Stord

Lauritzen joined the submarine’s crew in 1993 as executive officer. Just two years later, between 1995 and 1996, he commanded the vessel. His return to the hull—now proudly displaying the Polish naval ensign as a museum exhibit—carried a strong emotional charge.

According to the Navy Museum, “For our guest, visiting the submarine where he once served felt like returning home after many years.” The visit sparked extensive conversations about submarine operations in the 1990s, the vessel’s technical evolution, and the transition of the platform from Norwegian to Polish service. As the museum adds, “We heard many warm words addressed to the museum – and we are grateful for all of them.”

From KNM Stord to ORP Sokół: a submarine with two histories

The vessel—today known as ORP Sokół (294)—has a remarkably rich and well-documented operational history. Built in 1966 by Nordseewerke shipyard in Emden, it was the 14th unit of the Norwegian-modified type 207, itself based on the German type 205 class.

Unlike earlier iterations of the design, Stord was built using magnetic steel to enhance maximum operational depth—an important adaptation for northern waters. It entered Norwegian service in 1967 and remained active until its decommissioning in 2001.

In 2002, the submarine was transferred free of charge to the Polish Navy. On 4 June 2002, it raised the Polish flag for the first time and officially became ORP Sokół, serving within the submarine squadron of the 3rd Flotilla of Ships.

During 16 years under the white-and-red ensign, Sokół covered nearly 26,000 nautical miles, performed 174 dives, and in 2003 won both the best combat ship of the 3rd Flotilla and the title of best ship of the Polish Navy. Its final commanding officer was Lt. Cdr. Łukasz Szmigiel. The submarine was decommissioned on 8 June 2018.

A new mission as a museum exhibit

Since 25 March 2025, ORP Sokół has served a new role as a key exhibit of the Polish Navy Museum. Preserved in excellent condition, the submarine provides rare access to a type 207 platform—now an increasingly scarce design worldwide.

Lauritzen’s visit highlighted how naval heritage transcends national boundaries. A ship that once served Norwegian crews and later Polish submariners has become a symbol of shared maritime history and engineering evolution.

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ORP Sokół KNM Stord Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej Gdynia okręty podwodne typu 207 Hans Christoffer Lauritzen

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