RFA Black Rover

RFA Black Rover

RFA Black Rover is one of two Small Fleet Tankers owned and operated by the UK Ministry of Defence (sister ship is RFA Gold Rover). Built by Swan Hunters and launched in 1973, Black Rover has served all over the world in support of UK and Allied Maritime Forces. Her primary role is to replenish other Naval units at sea with diesel and aviation fuel. This is achieved using a technique called “RAS” (Replenishment at Sea). This involves the receiving ship transiting on a parallel course to Black Rover at a speed of around 12 knots, separated by around 30 meters of sea between the hulls of the two ships. Fuel is then pumped from Black Rover’s cargo fuel tanks via a complex array of rigs and hoses which are connected to the receiving ship. This critical element of maritime sustainability ensures that Naval assets can remain operational thus negating the need to go off-task to obtain fuel alongside. In addition to this Black Rover also carries out regular military maritime patrols around British Overseas Territories and is capable of conducting disaster relief operations. Black Rover is equipped with a single spot flight deck for the launch and recovery of rotary wing aircraft and a self defence weapons fit.