Royal Navy tanker RFA Tidesurge enters service

The Royal Navy’s third Tide-class tanker RFA Tidesurge entered service in a ceremony on February 20.

The 39,000-tonne fleet replenishment tanker is the latest of four new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.

“Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tidesurge is the third of our four new fleet replenishment tankers,” said Commodore Duncan Lamb, Head of the RFA.

“With her flight deck capable of operating Chinook helicopters, double probe replenishment at sea rigs, self-defence capability, and versatile fuel cargo system, she represents a crucial element of the Royal Navy task group of the future and a key enabler of our navy’s global reach.”

RFA Tidesurge is part of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) Tankers, which includes in-service sister ships RFA Tidespring and Tiderace. RFA Tideforce will become operational later this year.

Tidesurge arrived in the UK from South Korea in March 2018. The ships are built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and undergo customization at the A&P shipyard in Falmouth before entering service.

The 39,000-tonne tankers can carry up to 19,000 cubic meters of fuel and 1,400 cubic meters of fresh water in support of Royal Navy operations all over the world.

In addition to their supply duties in support of the Royal Navy, the vessels will also be able to undertake a wide range of maritime operations, such as constabulary patrols policing shipping lanes, humanitarian relief, as well as providing support to NATO and coalition allies.