On 20 February 2026, STADT Naval AS, a Norwegian company with more than 40 years of experience in electric propulsion systems for naval vessels, was selected to deliver a comprehensive propulsion system for the rescue ship Ratownik, currently under construction at PGZ Naval Shipyard. The contract confirms the strengthening Polish–Norwegian cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Baltic Sea, a region of growing strategic importance for NATO and the Baltic states.
Photos and images: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna
Technology Proven in Naval Service
STADT will deliver a complete electric propulsion system rated at 8,000 kWe (11,000 kWe according to information in the manufacturer’s statement – editor’s note), based on the patented Lean Propulsion technology, together with a 690 V AC main switchboard. The system will drive five controllable-pitch propellers, all equipped with AC induction motors manufactured by STADT. These motors are characterized by high efficiency and reliability and, importantly, are produced without the use of rare earth elements.
Unlike other solutions available on the market based on direct current (DC), STADT’s Lean Propulsion system relies exclusively on alternating current (AC) power distribution. This architecture ensures silent propeller operation, eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI), and provides the lowest level of underwater radiated noise (URN) – as tested and verified by the Royal Norwegian Navy. The solution also offers exceptionally high reliability thanks to proven technology, as well as minimal energy losses in the electric drives of just 0.1%, with significantly reduced system complexity.
Power will be generated by four diesel-driven generator sets, each rated at 3 MW. The electricity produced will supply the main controllable-pitch propellers, a retractable controllable-pitch stern propeller, and bow thrusters, as well as other onboard systems.
Unique Requirements for a Unique Vessel
The 96-meter Ratownik has been designed to conduct complex and demanding maritime operations, including submarine rescue, advanced diving operations, and the protection of seabed infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. These missions require a precise dynamic positioning (DP) system, high maneuverability, and an exceptionally low acoustic signature to ensure safe and effective operations in sensitive underwater environments.
“For Ratownik, we are selecting top-class solutions – an exceptionally quiet electric propulsion system is an absolute necessity for submarine rescue operations. We are demonstrating that Polish shipyards are capable of delivering projects at a world-class level,” emphasized Marcin Ryngwelski, President of PGZ Naval Shipyard.
Growing Presence in Poland and the Baltic Sea
Ratownik will be the 18th vessel equipped with a dynamic positioning system to feature STADT’s Lean Propulsion technology. It is already STADT’s fourth maritime project in Poland involving complete electric power and propulsion solutions, confirming STADT Naval’s well-established position on the international market, particularly in the Baltic Sea region.
“This will be STADT’s fourth naval ship project in Poland incorporating full diesel-electric energy and propulsion solutions, thereby confirming STADT NAVAL’s established international market position, and with the Baltic countries in particular. The project also contributes to further growth and new employment opportunities in Gjerdsvika, and it is a fantastic start of a long-term relation between STADT GROUP, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and Poland.” Says Hallvard L. Slettevoll..
The Project 108 rescue vessel will be a large ship with a displacement of approximately 6,500 tonnes, a length of about 96 meters, and a beam of 18.8 meters. The vessel is expected to reach a speed of around 18 knots and have a range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles. The crew will consist of about 100 personnel, with additional accommodation for nine more. The ship will replace the Polish Navy’s aging rescue vessels and will serve both as a national asset and within NATO operations. The first steel cutting for the vessel took place on 26 November 2025, and the keel was laid on 4 February this year. The launch is planned for 2027, with delivery to the customer scheduled for the end of 2029.
Earlier, on 6 December 2025, PGZ Naval Shipyard signed a contract in Canada with OSI Maritime Systems for the delivery of an Integrated Bridge and Navigation System (IBNS), which will be a variant of the advanced Integrated Navigation and Tactical System (INTS).
On 8 October 2025, during the 23rd International Maritime and Military Fair BALTEXPO in Gdańsk, a contract was signed with the German company Schottel for the delivery of azimuth thrusters.
Meanwhile, on 10 December 2025, an agreement was signed with the British company James Fisher and Sons PLC (JFD) for the integration of an advanced saturation diving system and a submarine rescue system.
