As the Polish Navy stated: “During the courses, they acquired knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the ships’ automation systems and main propulsion systems. The training covered both routine system operation and procedures to be followed in emergency situations. The qualifications gained will enable the crews to operate the new vessels safely and efficiently, while ensuring they are properly prepared to take delivery of the ships and bring them into service.”
Personnel assigned to the future mine countermeasure vessels ORP Czajka and ORP Rybitwa during training / Photo: Polish Navy
The mine countermeasure vessels ORP Rybitwa and ORP Czajka are to join the 12th Minesweeper Squadron of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla in Świnoujście. Their construction is being carried out under a contract signed on June 26, 2022, between the Armament Agency and a consortium comprising Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., PGZ Stcznia Wojenna Sp. z o.o., and the Maritime Technology Centre Research and Development Centre S.A. for the construction of three additional Kormoran II-class mine countermeasure vessels. The future ORP Rybitwa (605) was launched on March 19, 2025, while ORP Czajka (606) followed on December 11, 2025.
The propulsion system of the Kormoran II-class vessels consists of two MTU 8V369TE74L diesel engines, supplemented by three MTU generator sets. Power is transmitted through shafts to two Voith-Schneider Voith Turbo 21 GH/160 cycloidal propellers. This arrangement provides high maneuverability and allows the vessels to execute a 180-degree turn within a very short distance.