Ratownik rescue vessel project gains momentum as Polish shipyards join forces

Poland’s naval shipbuilding industry is entering a new phase of industrial cooperation as PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan signed an agreement for the construction of the bow section of the future rescue vessel being built under the Ratownik programme for the Polish Navy. The deal marks another major milestone in one of Poland’s most important naval modernisation projects and highlights the growing role of domestic industrial cooperation in strategic defence programmes.

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26 may 2026 | 14:08 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. PGZ Stocznia Wojenna

Szczecin joins the Ratownik programme

Under the agreement signed on 26 May 2026, Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan will manufacture the bow block of the vessel’s hull in Szczecin before the completed section is transported to Gdynia, where the final assembly and main construction work are currently underway at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna.

Construction of the rescue vessel officially began in November 2025, while the keel was laid in February 2026. The project is widely regarded as one of the most important efforts aimed at rebuilding Poland’s naval shipbuilding capabilities in the field of specialised support and rescue vessels.

Once completed, the new ship will significantly enhance the Polish Navy’s operational capabilities in maritime rescue, underwater support operations and naval security missions in the Baltic Sea region.

The inclusion of the Szczecin-based yard represents a further expansion of industrial cooperation between Poland’s key maritime centres and reflects a broader strategy focused on rebuilding national shipbuilding competencies.

Modular cooperation model already proven in the Miecznik frigate programme

The decision to outsource construction of the bow block follows a production model increasingly used across the global naval shipbuilding industry.

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna has already adopted a similar approach in the Miecznik frigate programme. The bow section of the first frigate, ORP Wicher, was built by the CRIST shipyard.

The modular production system allows shipyards to conduct work simultaneously at multiple locations, optimise workload distribution and reduce schedule risks in highly complex naval programmes.

Industry observers point out that such cooperation models are becoming essential for European shipyards facing increasing pressure to deliver sophisticated defence projects within tight timelines.

For Poland’s shipbuilding sector, the Ratownik programme is also becoming an important demonstration of the industry’s ability to operate within a distributed production framework similar to those used in leading international naval projects.

Scope of work for Wulkan

Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan will be responsible for prefabrication and assembly of hull sections, integration of the bow block, partial painting work and installation of selected key systems.

The scope includes installation of the azimuth thruster, bow thrusters and the complete anchoring and mooring equipment package.

After completion, the fully integrated bow block will be prepared for transport and delivered to Gdynia for final integration with the vessel.

The contract represents a technologically demanding assignment. Modern naval hull modules require high levels of precision engineering and close coordination between design, production and integration teams.

For the Szczecin yard, participation in the programme carries strategic significance, marking a return to advanced defence-related shipbuilding projects after years focused primarily on commercial and industrial activities.

Local content strategy gains importance

The agreement also strengthens the local content strategy consistently promoted by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa.

The approach aims to maximise the participation of domestic suppliers, shipyards and equipment manufacturers in Polish defence programmes.

Beyond the economic impact, industry analysts increasingly view local content as a strategic necessity. Maintaining shipbuilding and integration capabilities within the country improves resilience against disruptions in global supply chains and helps preserve critical industrial know-how.

The Ratownik programme therefore serves not only as a naval modernisation effort but also as an industrial policy instrument supporting the long-term development of Poland’s maritime and defence sectors.

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna: Polish industry must benefit from the programme

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Marcin Ryngwelski, President of the Management Board of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, emphasised the broader industrial dimension of the project.

- We are implementing the Ratownik programme consistently, in line with the schedule and with the full involvement of Polish industry. Entrusting the bow block to Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan reflects our confidence in the competence of Szczecin shipbuilders, but it is also a conscious decision – we want Polish industry and Polish jobs, from Gdynia to Szczecin, to benefit from this programme. By building a rescue vessel for the Polish Navy, we are demonstrating that Polish shipyards can cooperate effectively and that this cooperation brings tangible results. We believe in Polish shipyards, and today’s agreement is the best proof of that, he said.

His remarks underline a growing trend within Poland’s maritime industry: strengthening domestic industrial partnerships to reduce dependence on foreign subcontracting and rebuild national competencies in advanced naval production.

Wulkan: a breakthrough moment for Szczecin shipbuilders

Radosław Kowalczyk, President of Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan, described the agreement as a milestone for the company and the wider Szczecin maritime sector.

- We appreciate the trust that PGZ Stocznia Wojenna has placed in Szczecin. The Ratownik programme represents a breakthrough moment for our shipyard – a return to demanding naval projects of strategic defence importance. Szczecin shipbuilders have the competence and facilities required to complete this task. We will deliver the project in line with the expectations of both the contracting authority and our partner, he stated.

For Szczecin, participation in the programme also carries symbolic value. Historically one of Poland’s major shipbuilding centres, the city has spent years rebuilding its industrial position following restructuring processes that reshaped the sector.

The Ratownik contract may therefore become an important step toward restoring Szczecin’s role in high-value naval and offshore production.

Strategic capability for the Polish Navy

The Ratownik rescue vessel is expected to play a key role in enhancing the Polish Navy’s operational readiness in the Baltic Sea.

The vessel will replace ageing rescue assets and provide modern capabilities in underwater support, maritime rescue operations and naval mission support.

The future ship is expected to feature advanced diving support systems, underwater rescue equipment and the capability to operate effectively in demanding weather and sea conditions.

For the Polish Navy, the project represents not only a major technological upgrade but also a contribution to NATO interoperability and regional maritime security.

A broader test for Poland’s shipbuilding industry

The signing ceremony took place in front of the newly constructed dock at the Szczecin shipyard and gathered representatives of government administration and the maritime sector.

Among the attendees were Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, West Pomeranian Voivode Adam Rudawski, Marshal of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship Olgierd Geblewicz, Member of Parliament Patryk Jaskulski and Aleksandra Skibniewska, President of the Management Board of the Fundusz Rozwoju Spółek.

Their presence reflected the growing political and strategic importance attached to rebuilding Poland’s domestic maritime and defence industrial capabilities.

Increasingly, the Ratownik programme is being viewed as more than a single shipbuilding project. It has become a broader test of the Polish shipbuilding industry’s ability to cooperate on complex strategic programmes and to develop a modern, nationally integrated naval production model capable of supporting future defence projects.

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Kamil Kusier
redaktor naczelny

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna Stocznia Szczecińska Wulkan przemysł stoczniowy Marynarka Wojenna RP Ratownik