Project Description
The UK’s four Tide Class Tankers, in service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, supply the Royal Navy’s warships, including the two new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, with fuel and water while deployed on operations.
What are Tide Class Tankers?
The Tide class fleet comprises four tankers, which are operated by the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian-operated fleet which supports the UK’s armed forces.
Their primary purpose is to provide essential logistical support to the UK’s naval fleet, including the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers by delivering fuel, water, and other supplies to ships at sea. They are equipped with state-of-the-art pumping equipment and can transfer fuel to multiple ships at once, reducing the time needed for refuelling and increasing operational efficiency.
The ships have advanced sensor and processing system, which allow for highly accurate navigation and safe operation in even the most challenging conditions. They also feature self-defence weapons, including 30mm guns and small arms to protect against potential threats.
The tankers operate worldwide, providing logistical support to UK and allied naval forces wherever they are needed.
The tankers operate worldwide, providing logistical support to UK and allied naval forces wherever they are needed.
How are Tide Class Tankers delivered?
As in-service vessels, the availability of the Tide Class tankers is managed through several contracts and arrangements which support the ships and the critical components which allow them to operate.
Support delivery for Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships is tailored to specific platform requirements and often managed through larger frameworks, such as the £5.2 Billion Future Maritime Support Programme which enables work to be carried out at shipyards across the UK and supports thousands of jobs at multiple companies.
Meet our Ships Domain Team
Become part of the team
The DE&S Ships Domain supports ships in service with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Domain includes commercial officers, business enablers, engineers, finance and accounting teams, HR experts, information managers and technologists, and operational and project delivery personnel.
Domain delivery teams focussed on in-service support include Ships Support Strategy, Naval Ships Support, Maritime Combat Systems, Marine Systems Support, Salvage and Marine Operations, and Boats.
