STADT Naval AS, a Norwegian company with over 40 years of experience in electric propulsion systems for naval forces, will deliver a comprehensive propulsion system for the submarine rescue vessel Ratownik, currently under construction at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna. The contract confirms the strengthening Polish – Norwegian cooperation in maritime security in the Baltic Sea – a region of growing strategic importance for NATO and Baltic states.
PGZ press release
Under the agreement, STADT will supply a complete 8,000 kWe electric drive system based on its patented Lean Propulsion® technology along with a 690V AC main switchboard. The system will power five controllable pitch propellers, all equipped with STADT AC induction motors. These motors are highly efficient and reliable, and importantly – manufactured without the use of rare earth minerals.
Unlike other DC-based energy solutions available on the market, STADT’s Lean Propulsion® system is built on pure AC main power distribution. This architecture guarantees noise-free propeller operation, eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI), and delivers the lowest underwater radiated noise (URN) – tested and verified by the Royal Norwegian Navy. The solution also offers exceptionally high reliability based on well-proven technology and minimal energy losses of only 0.1% in the electric drives, with substantially reduced system complexity.
Power will be generated by four diesel generators, each rated at 3 MW. The produced electrical energy will drive the main controllable pitch propellers, retractable aft controllable pitch thruster, bow thrusters, and other ship systems.
Exceptional Requirements for an Exceptional Vessel
The 96-meter Ratownik has been designed to conduct complex and demanding naval operations: submarine rescue missions, advanced diving operations, and seabed infrastructure protection in the Baltic Sea. These missions require precise dynamic positioning (DP), high maneuverability, and exceptionally low acoustic signatures to ensure safe and effective operations in sensitive underwater environments.
“For Ratownik, we are selecting top-tier solutions – exceptionally quiet electric propulsion is an absolute necessity for submarine rescue operations. We are demonstrating that Polish shipyards can execute projects at a world-class level,” emphasizes Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna.
Growing Presence in Poland and the Baltic Region
Ratownik will become the 18th dynamically positioned vessel equipped with STADT’s Lean Propulsion® technology. This marks STADT’s fourth naval project in Poland incorporating complete electric energy and propulsion solutions, confirming STADT Naval’s established international market position, particularly in the Baltic countries.
“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, particularly with the Baltic countries. The project also contributes to further growth and new employment opportunities in Gjerdsvika, and it is a fantastic start of a long-term relationship between STADT GROUP, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and Poland,” says Hallvard L. Slettevoll, CEO of STADT Group.
