Maritime Search and Rescue Service: new rescue vessels and fleet modernization for the future

Poland’s coastline, along with the Vistula and Szczecin Lagoons, is gaining enhanced support through investments by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR). Since 2024, the organization has been rolling out tenders for advanced rescue vessels and upgrading its existing fleet, bolstering its operational capacity for maritime rescue and pollution response. This is a strategic move to address modern challenges—from climate change to heightened environmental standards—positioning SAR Poland as a key player in ensuring safety on the water.

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05 april 2025   |   08:25   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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Maritime Search and Rescue Service: new rescue vessels and fleet modernization for the future

Poland’s coastline, along with the Vistula and Szczecin Lagoons, is gaining enhanced support through investments by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR). Since 2024, the organization has been rolling out tenders for advanced rescue vessels and upgrading its existing fleet, bolstering its operational capacity for maritime rescue and pollution response. This is a strategic move to address modern challenges—from climate change to heightened environmental standards—positioning SAR Poland as a key player in ensuring safety on the water.

New rescue vessels for the Maritime Search and Rescue Service

The Maritime Search and Rescue Service is steadily expanding its fleet to meet evolving safety demands. In February 2025, two major tenders were finalized. The first involves delivering two cabin rescue boats for the Vistula and Szczecin Lagoons. Sweden’s Swede Ship Marine Aktiebolag & Varvsvagen secured the contract for 26.35 million PLN, with vessels measuring 15.55 meters in length, a maximum draft of 0.9 meters, and a top speed of 35 knots, set for completion between 2025 and 2026.

- These rescue boats mark a breakthrough for the Maritime Search and Rescue Service in shallow-water operations. Equipped with rescue scooters and able to carry 30 survivors, including two on stretchers, they ensure rapid response in emergencies, says Anna Szumańska, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure, in an interview with Daily Mare.

The second tender, concluded on February 14, 2025, covers three oil spill response boats for sheltered and shallow waters. Finland’s Lamor Corporation Plc won with a bid of nearly 7.5 million PLN. The LAMOR LC8000 Cabin units, at 8.5 meters long with a 0.5-meter draft and powered by twin Yamaha FL250 engines, feature oil collection systems with a 1-cubic-meter capacity. Delivery is slated for 2025–2026.

- Supplying these boats is a step by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service toward protecting waters from pollution. Their mobility and efficiency are vital for environmental efforts, notes Szumańska.

A third tender for six SAR-2000 vessels—successors to the SAR-1500—is under review, with Finland’s Oy Kewatec AluBoat Ab Isokarintie offering nearly 107 million PLN. These 17.1-meter, 34-knot boats, designed for ice navigation, are planned for 2025–2029. Meanwhile, a multi-role rescue ship tender, covering search and rescue, pollution control, towing, and firefighting, is in preparation for 2025–2028.

Fleet modernization by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service

Alongside new acquisitions, SAR Poland is upgrading its current fleet for greater efficiency. The m/s Kapitan Poinc is undergoing a major refit, contracted to Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard for over 34 million PLN in October 2024. The overhaul includes installing an FRB rescue boat, updating automation and oil spill systems, and replacing the main crane, with work starting in late 2025.

- The refit of Kapitan Poinc shows how the Maritime Search and Rescue Service blends tradition with innovation, creating a versatile rescue asset, explains Szumańska.

The m/s Czesław II will see a lighter upgrade, with new generators and a deck crane for 1.89 million PLN, contracted to Gdańsk’s Bota Technik in November 2024, wrapping up in 2025. A tender for modernizing three SAR-3000 vessels—Orkan, Pasat, and Sztorm—pits Nauta Shiprepair Yard against Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard. Upgrades include LED searchlights, slipway redesign for new rescue boats, and engine pre-lubrication systems, set for completion by 2027.

- Modernizing the SAR-3000 units is an investment by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service in ecology and reliability. New tech makes a difference in rescue missions, Szumańska highlights.

Funding and impact for SAR Poland

These initiatives—new builds and refits—are co-funded by the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, and Environment (FENIKS) for 2021–2027, providing a robust financial backbone for the Maritime Search and Rescue Service’s ambitions.

- With EU funding, the Maritime Search and Rescue Service can equip its fleet with cutting-edge rescue vessels and adapt to climate and environmental challenges, Szumańska stresses.

A mission-driven maritime force

For the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, new rescue vessels and fleet modernization go beyond hardware—they’re a commitment to safety on seas and inland waters. Facing ecological risks and maritime incidents, SAR Poland stands as a guardian of lives and nature. Will these investments meet tomorrow’s demands? Time will tell, but the service’s fleet is entering a new era—faster, greener, and ready for the toughest tasks.

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