The first of three “Miecznik”-class frigates has been christened at the Polish shipyard PGZ Stocznia Wojenna.
The multi-purpose frigate, christened “Wicher”, is the first of three naval vessels to be built as part of the “Miecznik” programme.
German companies are also involved in the construction, such as Schottel, which is supplying the propulsion systems for the frigates.
Largest project in the history of the Polish Navy
The “Miecznik” programme is the largest shipbuilding programme in the history of the Polish Navy. It involves the construction of three multi-purpose frigates, which are intended to replace older vessels in the Polish fleet and strengthen the Navy’s capabilities to protect Poland’s maritime interests.
The programme is being implemented by the PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium, comprising Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. and PGZ Stocznia Wojenna. The contract is worth more than 15 billion złoty (around 3.5 billion euros). The frigates are based on Babcock International’s tried-and-tested Arrowhead 140 design, which has been adapted to meet the requirements of the Polish Navy.
Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna: “The launch of the ‘Wicher’ is the result of the work of our entire workforce and further evidence of the transformation the shipyard is undergoing. We are demonstrating that here in Poland we are capable of designing, building and safely launching ships of this class – first from the dry dock and then using the float-off method, in accordance with the highest safety standards and the agreed timetable. The first frigate of the ‘Miecznik’ programme will be followed by further vessels: the ‘Burza’ and the ‘Huragan’. The expertise gained in this process will remain with the shipyard for years to come. This represents a tangible strengthening of the capabilities of the Polish Navy and the Polish shipbuilding industry.”
Complex launch
According to the shipyard, the christening marks the first step. The actual launch is scheduled for today in Gdańsk Bay due to the complex, multi-stage procedure involved. The ship will be towed from the ceremony site using a semi-submersible vessel or platform and lowered into the water in a controlled manner. This is a demanding technical operation which will be carried out in several stages, under strictly defined technical conditions and within a suitable weather window, by a team of shipyard specialists and experienced partners under the supervision of the classification society, the shipyard said. The “Wicher” is around 139 m long and is expected to have a displacement of approximately 7,000 t.
Following the launch, the “Wicher” will move to the outfitting and system integration phase at the quay. The handover of the vessel to the Polish Navy is scheduled for 2029. At the same time, two sister ships, the “Burza” and the “Huragan”, are under construction at the shipyard. The entire programme is scheduled for completion by the end of 2031.
