PGZ Stocznia Wojenna has signed a contract with James Fisher and Sons PLC (JFD) for the integration of a combined saturation and submarine rescue system onto Polish Navy’s Ratownik vessel.
The contract covers the delivery and integration of a classified hyperbaric chamber complex with a life support system. Ratownik will be compatible with the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) – a system managed by JFD since 2015 on behalf of the navies of the United Kingdom, France and Norway.
JFD conducted a pre-design study and feasibility assessment of the system integration in 2019. During the construction phase, the company will leverage its expertise in the world’s most technologically advanced saturation diving systems.
“We are proud to support PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ Naval Shipyard) and the Polish Navy to deliver this world class capability. Combining Shipyard’s shipbuilding experience with our submarine rescue and saturation diving expertise will deliver an exceptional capability for Poland, as it invests in its future submarine fleet and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. We would like to thank PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and the Polish Navy for their trust in us to deliver this mission critical capability,” said Rob Hales, head of James Fisher’s defence division.
Marcin Ryngwelski, President of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, emphasised: “Ratownik will provide the Polish Navy with advanced submarine rescue and saturation diving capabilities essential for operations in the Baltic Sea. The vessel will serve as a strategic asset for both submarine rescue operations and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. As Poland’s primary naval shipbuilder, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna is committed to delivering this advanced capability for the Polish Navy. Our collaboration with JFD brings together our shipbuilding experience with their expertise in complex hyperbaric systems, ensuring NATO-standard interoperability and operational readiness.”
Jan Grabowski, Vice-President of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, added: “It is a privilege to enter into this contract for a state-of-the-art system, whose foremost purpose is to safeguard lives and ensure uncompromising safety based on the highest standards of reliability.”
The rescue vessel, which is scheduled to be handed over to the Polish Navy at the end of 2029, will be one of the largest ships in the Polish fleet. With a length of 96 metres and a displacement of 6,500 tonnes, it will provide capabilities for rescuing submarine crews and protecting undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
