The year 2023 is important for the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna shipyard, as it is the year that the construction of the first of the three frigates created under the Miecznik program for the Polish Navy is to begin. Soon, the first sheet metal cutting for the construction of a prototype vessel will take place. The shipyard already has the equipment to make it possible.

- The technological start-up of our newest machine has begun - a CNC 3D cutter with an attachment for plasma pipe cutting. This is where we will be cutting metal sheets for Miecznik - noted Paweł Lulewicz, President of the Management Board of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna.

The device is the first of its kind in the country. It will enable work related to the cutting of technologically advanced metal sheets, which will be used in the construction of frigates from the Miecznik program. The device impresses not only with its dimensions adequate to the size of the ships (the machine came to shipyard in three large trucks). It is currently the most modern machine of this type available on the European market, which is to enable maintaining very high quality of cut elements.

The cutter will be connected directly to the Foran shipbuilding 3D software, so processing data will be transmitted directly from the constructors' computers to the operator of the cutter. The device is also equipped with an autogenous cutting head, which allows cutting sheets up to 120 mm thick. The innovation in its case is the use of a pipe cutting attachment.

In the near future, further batches of steel sheets needed to build the hull and other components of the ship are to be delivered to the shipyard. In addition, the STW/WNW-000005 procurement procedure is pending, which is to take place on January 23. Its purpose is to select the main contractor for works for the construction of facilities where the planned frigates will be built, and in the future also other ships, i.e. the hull and production hall. There are also plans to build a new social and administrative facility. In addition, there is further land development, reconstruction of the quay, storage yards and internal roads as well as reconstruction of the technical infrastructure at the shipyard. This is due on January 23. The modernization of the plant is mainly related to the Miecznik programme. The first of the buildings are to be physically erected in a few months, shortly before the official start of the construction of the first frigate.

Paweł Lulewicz emphasized that after the testing and training phase, shipyard workers will most likely be able to use it for regular work on January 20. The official sheet metal cutting ceremony for the construction of the prototype frigate is planned for August 16.