equipment / ships
Tide class
These double-hulled tankers maintain the Royal Navy’s dedicated bulk fuel replenishment at sea capabilities all around the world.
Tide Class fast fleet tanker
Displacement
39,000 tonnes
Length
200.9 metres
Speed
20 knots
Range
18,200 nautical miles
Sturdy fleet suppliers
The Tide Class of ships consists of four vessels – RFA Tidespring, Tiderace, Tidesurge and Tideforce – and these ships, provide essential fuels and fresh water via Replenishment at Sea as well as a limited number of other supplies via vertical replenishment (Helicopter Transfer) to Royal Navy vessels around the world.
Service stations
Replenishment at sea (RAS) is made possible via three stations for diesel fuel, aviation fuel and fresh water, with an additional rig available for astern replenishment. A flight deck and hangar allow for replenishment by air (known as ‘vertical RAS’), and this flight deck is large enough for a Chinook-sized helicopter to land on.
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