Cormorants for export! Polish Armaments Group and Remontowa Shipbuilding join forces

During the launching ceremony of the future ORP Rybitwa, the fifth vessel of project 258, a groundbreaking agreement was signed. Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. (PGZ), PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, and OBR CTM S.A. signed a cooperation agreement with Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. to promote and export Kormoran II-class minehunters. Could Polish naval technology conquer international markets?

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20 march 2025   |   09:13   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. 8FOW / Marynarka Wojenna RP

The agreement was concluded at the Remontowa Shipbuilding shipyard, where project 258 vessels—Kormoran II-class minehunters—are built. The document was signed by Jan Grabowski, board member of PGZ S.A., Dariusz Jaguszewski, president of the management board of Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., Marcin Ryngwelski, president of the management board of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna sp. z o.o., and Marcin Wiśniewski, president of the management board of OBR CTM S.A.

- Kormoran-class vessels are the most extensive shipbuilding program undertaken by our industry since the project 207 minesweepers. The scale of our engagement, the range of competencies, skills, and knowledge we have acquired as the Polish defense industry throughout this program form the foundation of today’s agreement. We know how to build these ships, we know from the Polish Navy that they are highly effective, and we want other naval forces to have the opportunity to operate vessels that are the result of Polish shipbuilding expertise. These ships are an excellent example of collaboration between state-owned and private industry, and I am pleased that we will continue this partnership to secure export markets, said Jan Grabowski, board member of PGZ S.A.

- For many years, we have participated in programs for the nation’s maritime security—one of them being the Kormoran II program. The operational experience of the prototype vessel, ORP Kormoran, has enabled us to introduce modifications to the construction of subsequent units to better meet the needs of the customer. Today, these vessels rank among the most advanced mine countermeasure ships. They take part in NATO joint naval exercises and, in the future, will become integral units of standing NATO mine countermeasures groups. The satisfaction of the end-user—the Polish Navy—is the best recommendation and motivation for us to offer this proven design to other nations, adds Dariusz Jaguszewski, president of the management board of Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A.

- I am proud that together with our consortium partners, we are writing a new chapter in the history of Polish sovereign defense production. Programs such as Kormoran II showcase the potential of the domestic defense industry. Each new vessel allows us to further refine our solutions, strengthening the Polish armed forces. It is crucial that we maintain control over our own security. We are open to cooperation with international partners who seek to leverage our innovative solutions and jointly build a safer future., said Marcin Wiśniewski, president of the management board of OBR CTM S.A.

- By supplying Kormoran-class vessels with advanced electronic, communication, and weapons systems, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna is enhancing Poland’s maritime security while developing its technological expertise. Cooperation within the consortium opens export opportunities, reaffirming the growing potential of Poland’s shipbuilding and defense industries in global markets, adds Marcin Ryngwelski, president of the management board of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna sp. z o.o.

Project 258 vessels are designed to perform a wide range of mine warfare tasks, including mine detection, classification, identification, and disposal, as well as route reconnaissance, guiding ships through mine-threatened waters, mine-laying, and remote operation of autonomous mine countermeasure platforms. Additionally, they contribute to critical infrastructure protection, conducting seabed surveys and monitoring potential maritime threats.

Currently, the Polish Navy operates three vessels of this class—ORP Kormoran (hull number 601), ORP Albatros (602), and ORP Mewa (603)—which serve in the 13th minesweeper squadron of the 8th coastal defense flotilla. The second batch, including the newly launched ORP Rybitwa (605) along with ORP Jaskółka (604) and ORP Czajka (606), is set to join the 12th minesweeper squadron, also part of the 8th coastal defense flotilla, stationed at the Świnoujście naval base. All Kormoran-class vessels are scheduled to enter active service by 2027.

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remontowa shipbuilding polska grupa zbrojeniowa pgz stocznia wojenna kormoran orp rybitwa

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