The UK’s four new Tide Class Tankers are entering service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to supply the Royal Navy’s warships, including the two new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, with fuel and water while deployed on operations.

The Tide Class Tanker programme

• Four tankers are entering service – RFA Tidespring, RFA Tiderace, RFA Tidesurge and RFA Tideforce.
• Each of the 39,000 tonne tankers are as long as three jumbo jets lined up nose-to-tail
• They can carry 19,000 metres cubed of fuel and 1,300 metres cubed of fresh water
• They can travel more than 8,000 nautical miles without having to refuel
• The DE&S Commercially Supported Shipping team is overseeing the procurement of all four tankers and essentially customisation work at A&P Falmouth in Cornwall.

“The DE&S team has led the programme to bring the Tide Class Tankers into service.  These world-class ships will provide essential support to Royal Navy personnel deployed on operations all over the world.”