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RFA Tidesurge (A138)

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) provides logistical support to the Royal Navy, all over the world. That includes refuelling its warships, at sea. Scheduled to enter service in 2018, RFA Tiderace is the second of a fleet of four 39,000 tonne Tide-class tankers.

Facts & figures

Facts & figures

19,000 cubic metres

Fuel capacity 

1,400 cubic metres

Fresh water capacity 

27+ knots

Top speed

Our Role

Our Role

RFA Tidesurge (A138) is the Third of Class of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) Tankers.

At 39,000 tonne, the Tide class tankers are the largest ships currently in service within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Tide Class tankers are flexible, state-of-the-art double-hulled vessels, designed to provide key underway replenishment at sea (RAS) capability and support to the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.

Additionally Tidesurge provides fuel and water for Royal Navy, NATO and Allied warships all around the world.

The Tide Class tankers are significantly larger than their predecessors with far more advanced capability, they can also operate Chinook, Merlin or Wildcat helicopters from their flight decks.

Our base

Our base

United Kingdom

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RFA Tidesurge (A138)

Unit history