Construction of Ratownik begins. PGZ Stocznia Wojenna lays keel of a new pillar of Baltic security

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna officially marked the start of construction of the new rescue ship, Ratownik, with a ceremonial keel-laying event. The vessel will strengthen the operational capabilities of the Polish Navy and enhance maritime security in the Baltic Sea, serving as a modern, multipurpose platform for rescue and support operations.

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Today | 17:04 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Kamil Kusier / Gazeta Morska

The ceremony gathered representatives from the Ministry of National Defence (MON), the Ministry of State Assets (MAP), PGZ leadership, and the shipyard. In line with maritime tradition, the keel-laying symbolized the official start of the ship’s construction, from the hull to all integrated systems.

Polish technical expertise in service of security

Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, emphasized the significance of the event.

– With the laying of the keel, we begin 2026 in our shipyard, employing over 1,000 people and with enormous prospects ahead. This ship opens a new chapter for the Polish Navy. It is not an ordinary vessel but a modern rescue ship built entirely on Polish technical expertise.

He outlined the ambitious schedule: the ship must be launched by September 30, 2027, undergo mooring trials in 2028, and be delivered to the Navy in 2029, before the first Swedish submarine arrives in Poland.

– The keel-laying is not only symbolic. It marks the formal start of construction. The keel must account for at least 5% of the ship’s weight, no less than 50 tons. Today, we lay it for future generations of shipbuilders and sailors, who will operate this vessel – Marcin Ryngwelski added.

Safety as a value and competence

Stanisław Wziątek, Undersecretary of State at MON, highlighted the strategic importance of the project.

– Safety is not a gadget. It is a mindset, competence, and readiness to defend the nation. The Ratownik project embodies these values. Its mission is to provide assistance to those in need while enhancing the operational capabilities of the Navy. Partnership, collaboration, and Polish expertise are key to success.

During the ceremony, Wziątek also read a letter from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, congratulating shipyard employees and the Navy and underlining the strategic significance of the new vessel.

Dedication and passion of Polish shipbuilders

Konrad Gołota, Deputy Minister of State Assets, paid tribute to the people behind the project.

– I’m wearing a shipbuilder’s jumpsuit, not a suit. This is a mark of respect for your work. Every weld, cable, and document represents human effort. You are building three frigates and the Ratownik at an incredible pace. This ship is not only a vessel; it is a floating platform of security, one of the most advanced units in the Baltic, built entirely in Poland using Polish technical expertise.

He underlined that supporting the Navy with domestic capabilities and capital is crucial both now and for future generations.

Strengthening naval capabilities

Vice Admiral Jarosław Ziemiański, Inspector of the Polish Navy, noted the strategic value of the rescue ship.

– The Ratownik has strategic significance for the development of the Polish Armed Forces. The Baltic Sea is a critical area for NATO. The ship provides unique capabilities to the Navy and Poland, allowing immediate action based on national resources, which is crucial today.

Vice Admiral Jarosław Wypijewski from the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces emphasized that the vessel demonstrates the world-class competence of Polish shipbuilding and ensures sailors will operate state-of-the-art equipment.

Pomerania: a region shaped by the sea

Emil Rojek, Deputy Governor of Pomerania, placed the project in regional and historical context. – In Pomerania, a modern multi-purpose rescue ship is being built for maritime rescue. For a thousand years, the wealth of this region has depended on the Baltic Sea. Today, investments in the Navy and the Polish shipbuilding industry enhance security, create jobs, and develop regional skills. These are the most significant investments in the past century.

PGZ as a key player in Polish defence

Jan Grabowski, Deputy CEO of PGZ SA, underlined the industrial and strategic importance of the shipyard.

– This shipyard has over a century of tradition and is strategically important for national defense. The construction of the Ratownik and other vessels, such as the Miecznik frigates, is part of a long-term national security strategy. Collaboration with foreign partners and the Polish shipbuilding industry ensures the Navy receives modern vessels capable of safely operating in the Baltic.

Building competence and operational independence

The construction of the Ratownik is more than adding a new ship to the fleet. It signals that Poland has the competence to independently design, build, and equip naval vessels. The ship will provide the Navy with decision-making independence, enabling immediate response in crises and operational support for other maritime platforms.

The keel-laying of the Ratownik marks both a symbolic and practical start of building a cornerstone of Baltic maritime security. It showcases Polish technical expertise, strengthens domestic shipbuilding capabilities, and represents a strategic milestone for the Polish Navy, combining tradition, modern technology, and a long-term vision for national maritime security.

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