Polish Navy Expands Fleet with Sixth Minehunter Construction in Gdansk.

According to information published by the Polish MoD on December 2024, the keel for the sixth Kormoran II-class minehunter was ceremonially laid at the Remontowa Shipbuilding SA shipyard in Gdańsk. The keel-laying ceremony, steeped in tradition, represents the official start of the vessel's construction phase.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Poland takes a major step in naval modernization as the keel is laid for the sixth Kormoran II-class minehunter, ORP Czajka, at Gdańsk's Remontowa Shipbuilding SA. (Picture source: Polish MoD)

The ORP Czajka joins the expanding fleet of Kormoran II-class mine countermeasure vessels, designed to bolster the Polish Navy's ability to conduct operations in challenging maritime environments, including the Baltic Sea.

The Kormoran II-class minehunters are tasked with detecting, classifying, and neutralizing naval mines to ensure safe maritime navigation. These modern vessels are constructed using non-magnetic steel to minimize their signature and increase survivability in mine-infested waters. Once completed and commissioned, the ORP Czajka will strengthen the operational capacities of the 8th Coastal Defense Flotilla.

Remontowa Shipbuilding SA, one of Poland's leading shipyards, has played a central role in the construction of the Kormoran II-class vessels. With a reputation for delivering high-quality naval ships, the Gdańsk-based shipyard continues to demonstrate its expertise in building complex, technologically advanced vessels that meet the operational requirements of modern navies.

The shipyard’s successful delivery of the first five Kormoran II-class vessels has paved the way for the construction of ORP Czajka, which is expected to be delivered to the Polish Navy on schedule.

Context

During World War II, under the command of Rear Admiral Józef Unrug, the Polish Navy implemented "Plan Worek," deploying submarines to lay naval mines in the Bay of Gdańsk. This strategic use of mines aimed to disrupt enemy naval operations and protect Polish waters.

In the post-war period, the Polish Navy expanded its mine warfare capabilities with the introduction of the Lublin-class minelayer-landing ships. Designed and built in Poland, these vessels have been in service since 1989. Although initially, twelve ships were planned, only five were completed due to geopolitical changes.