Poland has taken a significant step in strengthening its naval support and rescue capabilities with the signing of a major shipbuilding contract for a new rescue vessel, codenamed Ratownik. The agreement was concluded between Poland’s Ministry of Defence and the country’s state-owned shipbuilding group, marking one of the most substantial naval support procurements in recent years.

A Strategic Naval Investment

The contract, valued at over 1 billion Polish zlotys (approximately USD 230 million), covers the design, construction, and a comprehensive logistics support package for the Polish Navy. The Ratownik program is intended to replace aging rescue assets and significantly enhance Poland’s ability to conduct submarine rescue, maritime assistance, and naval support operations in the Baltic Sea and beyond.

Vessel Overview and Capabilities

The new rescue ship will be a large, multi-role naval support platform, designed to operate across a wide range of rescue and logistical missions. According to official details:

• Length: approximately 96 meters

• Displacement: around 6,500 tons

• Crew: about 100 personnel

• Operational range: roughly 6,000 nautical miles

The vessel will be classed specifically for naval rescue and logistics tasks, enabling it to support submarine rescue operations, emergency response at sea, and fleet sustainment missions.

Program Status and Timeline

The Ratownik program has already moved beyond the planning stage. With the contract formally signed, construction activities are underway, and steel-cutting has been completed, confirming that the project has entered the physical build phase.

The Polish Ministry of Defence expects the vessel to be delivered by 2029, following outfitting, testing, and sea trials.

Strengthening Poland’s Naval Support Fleet

The Ratownik acquisition reflects Poland’s broader efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and invest in mission-critical support vessels alongside combat platforms. By prioritizing rescue and logistics capabilities, the Polish Navy aims to improve operational resilience, crew safety, and readiness across its maritime forces.

Once delivered, the Ratownik will become a cornerstone of Poland’s naval rescue infrastructure, reinforcing the country’s ability to respond effectively to maritime emergencies and support allied naval operations in the region.