Fast Fleet Tankers

These ships are fast fleet tankers capable of replenishment at sea of warships, and with the ability to meet future fuel requirements plus provide a platform for future helicopters.

They are electric ships - which means they are driven by an electric motor, powered by diesel generators - and take advantage of the latest propulsion control technology.

A double-hulled design helps to prevent pollution should the outer hull sustain damage.  Their cargo will be mainly Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) and they replace the O Class ships, Olna and Olwen.

The vessels have been built to commercial standards with military requirements incorporated where necessary. The contract was placed with what was then Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL), now part of BAE Systems Marine Ltd, in March 1997. 

RFA Wave Knight was built by BAE Systems, being launched in 2000. She was accepted into service in 2003.

RFA Wave Ruler was built by BAE Systems, being launched in 2001. She was accepted into service in 2003.

RFA Wave Knight seen here in Leith in 2006

 

 

 

RFA Wave Ruler seen in Leith in 2005, the first picture is two pictures stitched together.

Fleet Replenishment Ships - Fort Class II

Although all part of the Fort Class, these ships have two very different roles.

Fort Victoria and Fort George combine the functions of fleet oilers and stores ships. Being large and adaptable they are equipped with an expansive flight deck, supported by hangars for three Sea King-sized helicopters.  This class can embark and support both anti-submarine helicopters and troop-carrying Sea King Mk4 helicopters, which can transfer large amounts of stores to other ships.

For dual-purpose replenishment rigs are fitted amidships, enabling transfer of fuel and stores to two ships simultaneously. Both can fuel vessels over the stern. The variety of tasks that these vessels can be employed upon is reflected in their complements.  The ship’s company of RFA officers and ratings is supplemented by civilian Warship Support Agency staff and RN personnel who maintain the weapons.

The ability to re- arm and re-supply the Royal Navy while underway, coupled to their capacity to carry extra helicopters, makes these ships a highly flexible and important part of any naval task group. They have extensive storage areas for stowage of everything from food to weapons.

RFA Fort Victoria was built by Harland and Wolff, being launched in 1990. She was accepted into service in 1994.  

RFA Fort George was built by Swan Hunter, being launched in 1991. She was accepted into service in 1994.  

RFA Fort Victoria

RFA Fort George

 Seen here alongisde in Leith

Fleet Replenishment Ships - Fort Class I

The role of Fort Rosalie and Fort Austin is to replenish Royal Navy warships with dry stores such as food, spare parts and ammunition while underway.  This complex task is carried out by the RFA and warship steaming along side-by-side and transferring stores along a cable rigged between the two vessels.  Both ships are fitted with large flight decks and each ship has hangar space allowing them to operate a number of Sea King helicopters. This gives the ship an enhanced capacity to resupply by employing the VERTREP process to transfer supplies from ship to ship by helicopter. It also means that these ships can operate as independent force units with their four helicopters in the anti-submarine or commando role.

The ability to re- arm and re-supply the Royal Navy while underway, coupled to their capacity to carry extra helicopters, makes these ships a highly flexible and important part of any naval task group. They have extensive storage areas for stowage of everything from food to weapons. 

RFA Fort Rosalie was built by Scotts, being launched in 1976. She was accepted into service in 1978.

RFA Fort Austin was built by Scotts, being launched in 1977. She was accepted into service in 1979. 

She is currently laid up in Portsmouth Naval Dockyard.

RFA Fort Rosalie (taken from the Forth Road Bridge)

 

And again her departure from the Forth Road Bridge 

 

RFA Fort Austin as she departed Crombie Pier and was heading down the Firth Of Forth a few years back taken from the escorting Forth Ports tug MT Beamer (I was at the very top of the mast next to the top fire hose), I also have images of HMS Exeter (top of mast), (deck level) if you compare these two shots you can see the difference in height and you will see they are not taken NOT a helicopter , these were the days when you could get access to the tugs - see also my HMS's Tyne, Illustrious, Ark Royal, RFA Orangeleaf and HrMs Zuiderkruis shots.

RFA ORANGELEAF

Royal Fleet Auxiliary support tanker Orangeleaf was built by Cammell Laird, being launched in 1973. She was accepted into service in 1979.

Together with her sister ship RFA Brambleleaf they make up the support tankers.  These ships have dual responsibility for the replenishing of warships at sea and for the bulk movement of fuels between Ministry of Defence depots.

The ships were originally designed as commercial tankers but were taken over by the MoD and converted to RFA service. They can carry some food and stores, but the main cargo is diesel and aviation fuel.

She is seen here departing the Firth of Forth from a few years back having beend topped up at Crombie.

In this backdrop you can see Leith and the city of Edinburgh