Polish Navy retires prototype minesweeper ORP Gopło after 44 years of service

After more than four decades of operational service, the Polish Navy has officially retired the base minesweeper ORP Gopło (hull number 630). The ceremonial lowering of the Polish naval ensign took place on 13 March at the 13th Minesweeper Squadron in the naval port of Gdynia.

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13 march 2026   |   14:50   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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Commissioned in 1982, ORP Gopło was the prototype vessel of the Project 207 class of minesweepers built at the Stocznia Marynarki Wojennej. The class eventually comprised seventeen vessels that formed the backbone of Poland’s mine countermeasure capability for decades.

A symbolic farewell to a long-serving vessel

During the ceremony, the commander of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla, Rear Admiral Piotr Sikora, emphasized the symbolic importance of the moment.

- The moment we are witnessing today in the naval calendar is one of the most difficult, yet also one of the most solemn. This piece of white-and-red cloth that proudly flew above the deck of ‘six-thirty’ for 44 years meant more to the crew and to all sailors than a symbol of national affiliation. It was a sign of Poland’s presence in the Baltic Sea, but also a certificate of professionalism of the Polish mine countermeasure forces and the entire Navy.

He also pointed to the inevitable generational transition taking place within naval fleets.

- Naval technology is developing at a pace that cannot be ignored. Even the bravest ship, which for years performed its tasks flawlessly, must eventually give way to a new generation of vessels. It is a natural process, although for seafarers it is always accompanied by emotion and sentiment.

According to the admiral, the operational tasks previously performed by ORP Gopło are now being taken over by modern Kormoran II class minehunters: ORP Kormoran, ORP Albatros and ORP Mewa. Three additional vessels – ORP Jaskółka, ORP Rybitwa and ORP Czajka – are currently under construction or fitting-out.

Prototype and experimental platform

Built between 1980 and 1982, ORP Gopło served not only as an operational minesweeper but also as an experimental platform used to test new naval systems and mine warfare technologies.

The vessel was launched on 16 April 1981 and formally commissioned on 13 March 1982 in the naval base at Hel. Its hull and superstructure were made of polyester-glass laminate, a material used to reduce the vessel’s magnetic signature – a key feature for mine countermeasure operations.

Throughout its career, the ship served in several formations of the Polish Navy, including the 13th Minesweeper Squadron and the Research Vessel Squadron in Gdynia, where it was used for testing new naval equipment later introduced into service.

Four decades of mine warfare operations

During its operational lifetime ORP Gopło participated in numerous national and multinational naval exercises, including BALTOPS as well as Polish military exercises such as Anakonda and Dragon. The vessel also took part in activities under the Partnership for Peace framework.

In addition to training operations, the minesweeper regularly conducted real mine countermeasure missions in Polish territorial waters, including the search and neutralisation of unexploded mines and torpedoes dating back to World War II. The ship also supported live-fire exercises conducted in the naval training areas near Ustka.

The vessel’s final commanding officer thanked generations of sailors who served on board.

- I would like to thank all members of the ORP Gopło crew who proudly stood watch under the Polish naval ensign over the past 44 years. ‘630’ raised many generations of sailors during its long service, both within the 13th Minesweeper Squadron and during its time with the training and research units. The unique atmosphere, spirit and character of this ship will certainly remain in our memories.

Following naval tradition, the ship’s ensign will be transferred to the collection of the Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia, while the vessel itself will be handed over to the Military Property Agency of Poland after decommissioning procedures are completed.

The retirement of ORP Gopło symbolically marks the gradual end of the Project 207 minesweeper era and the transition of Poland’s mine countermeasure forces to the modern Kormoran II generation.

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ORP Gopło Marynarka Wojenna RP trałowce projektu 207 niszczyciele min Kormoran II 8 Flotylla Obrony Wybrzeża

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