The ORP Kormoran minehunter has joined the Polish Navy, the military branch of the Polish Armed Forces.

The flag-hoisting ceremony was held on board the ship at the northern port city of Gdynia on Tuesday, on 28 November.

“It is the first ship which the Republic of Poland can be proud, which the Navy can be proud – said the head of the Ministry of National Defence Republic of Poland during the ceremony

The ORP Kormoran is the first in a series of three modern minehunters that have been commissioned for the 8th Coast Defence Flotilla of the Polish navy, according to officials.

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The vessel is intended for seeking, detecting and destroying all manner of sea mines, both those on the water surface and on the seabed, Michał Dziugan, commander of the ORP Kormoran, told reporters.

The vessel is designed to achieve low signature and high maneuverability, owing to use of cycloid propellers driven by diesel engines. Its mine countermeasure tasks are supported by the Morświn multi-mission ROV, developed by PG CMTM (eng. Centre for Marine Military Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology).

The Morświn is capable of performing missions including mine disposal, underwater survey, identification and detection of underwater objects.

The ship is also equipped with HUGIN 1000 MR autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) delivered by Kongsberg Maritime and SAAB Double Eagle mk. III, self-propelled sonar (SPVDS).