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A new era of naval replenishment is underway as construction commenced on December 3rd on the RFA Resurgent, the frist of three cutting-edge Fleet solid Support (FSS) ships for the British Royal Navy. The milestone marks a significant step forward in modernizing the UK’s maritime capabilities and solidifies a growing partnership with Spanish shipbuilding giant Navantia.
The first steel was cut at the Appledore shipyard in Devon, southwest England, a facility recently acquired by Navantia’s British subsidiary. This event signals a revitalization of British shipbuilding, with Navantia also having purchased the Harland & Wolf shipyards in Belfast, Methil, and arnish earlier this year. All four yards will contribute to the production of the new tankers, ordered in January 2023 in collaboration with British engineering firm BMT.
Navantia UK appledore will focus on fabricating the forward sections of the vessels, which will then be transported to Belfast for hull assembly and arming. According to a company release, the commencement of construction follows the accomplished completion of the “Critical Design Review” in november, confirming the project’s readiness for physical build.
These new ships, operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) in support of Royal Navy combat vessels, are slated to be operational by 2031. The RFA Resurgent and its two sister ships will measure 216 meters in length and 34.5 meters in width, boasting 9,000 square meters of cargo space. Thay will also feature four at-sea supply arms – three positioned on the port side to streamline operations for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers – capable of transferring significant loads.
Capabilities and Crew
The vessels are designed for a speed of 19 knots and will accommodate a crew of 101, with space for an additional 80 personnel. A dedicated helicopter platform will support all types of British armed forces helicopters, including a hangar capable of housing two Merlin-type aircraft.
These new builds will operate alongside the existing four Tide-class replenishment tankers – RFA Tidespring, RFA Tiderace, RFA Tidesurge, and RFA Tideforce – commissioned between 2017 and 2019.While the Tide-class primarily delivers fuel, the FSS program vessels will specialize in the transport of solid cargo, including ammunition, spare parts, and essential provisions.
Replacing a Legacy Fleet
The FSS program is also crucial for replacing aging infrastructure within the RFA. These new ships will supersede the RFA Fort Rosalie and RFA Fort Austin,both retired in 2021,and also the RFA Fort Victoria,which has been in service since 1994. One analyst noted that the modernization of the RFA’s fleet is vital for maintaining the royal Navy’s global operational tempo.
The arrival of the RFA Resurgent and its sister ships represent
