Third Tide-Class Tanker Arrives in UK

RFA Tidesurge, the third of four new Royal Navy support tankers,  has arrived in UK for customisation and trials before entering service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and being deployed on operations with the Royal Navy. 

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

Minister for Defence Procurement Guto Bebb said: “The arrival of RFA Tidesurge in Cornwall marks another key milestone in the Tide Class programme. Tidesurge will soon join her sister ships in providing the integral support which powers our warships and helps our Royal Navy maintain a truly global presence.” 

RFA Tidesurge will be fitted with UK specific armour, self-defence weaponry and communications systems, with the total UK work content, including A&P, in the Tide Class programme worth around £150 million and sustaining further jobs at 27 UK-based companies. 

The customisation work is expected to take around four months after which RFA Tidesurge will begin final sea trials before entering service in Autumn this year. 

The fourth of the Tide Class vessels - RFA Tideforce - is expected to be delivered later this year.