RFA Tidesurge (A138)

Providing logistical support to the Royal Navy, all over the world, RFA Tiderace is the second of a fleet of four 39,000 tonne Tide Class tankers.

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 designed to provide key underway replenishment at sea (RAS) capability and support to the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, as well as provide fuel and water for Royal Navy, NATO and Allied warships all around the world.

Capability

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.

Tide class

Crew

Led by Captain Richard Davies, RFA Tidesurge typically has a complement of 63 crew members, but can accommodate an additional 46 non-crew embarked persons. These could consist of Royal Marines, helicopter flight crew and various trainees.

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