Bay Class Landing Ships

Cardigan Bay is a Bay class ship, an adaptation of the Dutch Rotterdam class, and replaced the ageing ‘Sir’ class of RFA ships. These highly agile and useful ships are integral to the delivery of a responsive Royal Navy which can deploy anywhere in the world. They can also work in support of the Royal Marines and can assist in disaster and humanitarian relief, for example supporting the UN effort in Haiti following the earthquake. The ships are able to operate landing craft through the stern door, their large vehicle deck will support up to 24 main battle tanks accessible by a stern and side ramp. Two 30-tonnne crane decks enable the handling of loads such as Mexeflotes, landing craft, and containers. The integral floodable deck can handle one 96ft long, 240-tonnne landing craft and avaiation facilities include a two-spot Chinook-capable flight deck. Capable of self-defence, Cardigan Bay is equipped with four 30mm cannon and fittings for Phalanx CIWS. Cardigan Bay has the space to carry more than 300 embarked forces and has proved her worth and versatility working in support of NATO and foreign navies in the Gulf.