On 5 January 2024, four weeks ahead of schedule, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna completed the contract for the ‘Main and Dock Repair of ORP Necko’.
As part of the upgrade, old engines were replaced with modern Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG MTU 8V2000 M72 eight-cylinder diesel engines. The new propulsion units, also supercharged, achieve 720 kW (965 hp). They were designed specifically for use on vessels with a high load factor, which is typical for minesweepers. In addition, the power plant control centre was upgraded and the generators and navigation systems were replaced. Maintenance of the hull and superstructure was also carried out. The shipyard’s overhaul significantly improves the vessel’s efficiency, service comfort, and working conditions of its crew. Operating costs of the vessel were also reduced.
The ORP Necko (639) is a Polish Project 207 base minesweeper, in service since 1989. The largest series of vessels in the Polish Navy, Project 207 is known for its use of innovative technologies to minimise magnetic fields, which is crucial in mine countermeasures operations. The ship is currently serving in the 12th minesweeper Squadron of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla in Świnoujście.
