Wave-class tanker
Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English
Template:Infobox ship imageTemplate:Infobox ship class overviewTemplate:Infobox ship characteristicsThe Wave-class tankers are a class of fast fleet tankers in service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The class is tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world. There are two ships in the class, Template:Ship and Template:Ship. The ships were ordered to replace the aging Template:Sclass2s Template:Ship and Template:Ship.<ref name="navtec" /> The two vessels have seen service in a number of locations, including anti-drug and hurricane relief operations in the Caribbean Sea,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=caycompass>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> anti-piracy activities around the Horn of Africa,<ref>Template:Cite news Template:Dead link</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and deterrent patrols in the South Atlantic.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As of early 2022, both ships were earmarked for "extended readiness" status (i.e. uncrewed reserve).<ref name="NAO report on EP says MoD has decid">Template:Cite tweet</ref> In November 2024, the newly elected Labour government indicated that both ships would be removed from service by March 2025.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
HistoryEdit
A contract was placed for the vessels in 1997 with Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (Marconi Marine VSEL). Construction of Wave Knight began in 1998 at VSEL's Barrow-in-Furness yard and the ship was launched in 2000.<ref name="Janes" /> With the acquisition of Marconi Electronic Systems and its Marconi Marine subsidiary in 1999 British Aerospace became BAE Systems. BAE now owns VSEL in Barrow and the Yarrow and Govan shipyards on the Clyde. BAE transferred the construction of Wave Ruler to Govan in 2000 and the vessel was launched in 2001. Both vessels were commissioned in 2003.
DesignEdit
The ships have the capability to supply fuel and other liquid cargo to vessels using replenishment rigs on port and starboard beams and through a Hudson reel-type stern rig. When providing support for amphibious operations, the ships are also able to deliver fuel to dracones positioned alongside. The equipment load includes cranes (for stores handling and abeam replenishment), steering and rudder gear, thyristor-controlled winch/windlasses and double drum mooring winches. Up to Template:Convert of liquids and Template:Convert of general solids can be carried. In addition, reverse-osmosis equipment is fitted enabling the production of Template:Convert of drinkable water per day.<ref name="navtec" />
The vessels were designed with double hulls to prevent or reduce environmental pollution from oil spills if damage is sustained to the outer hull.<ref name="RN" />
The ships can operate a Merlin HM1 helicopter, or other helicopters of similar size, from a hangar and flight deck at the stern. On deployments to Atlantic Patrol Task (N) they have typically embarked a Royal Navy Lynx or a United States Coast Guard helicopterTemplate:Citation needed.
The vessels have a standard crew of 80 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel with provision for a further 22 Royal Navy personnel to conduct helicopter and weapons systems operations.<ref name="navtec" /> They carry a full medical team and sick bay and are capable of distributing 2,000 emergency relief packages in times of crisis.<ref>http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1251-lynx-flies-the-atlantic.aspx Template:Dead link</ref>
Construction programmeEdit
| Name | Pennant | Builder | Ordered | Laid down | Launched | In service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Ship | A389 | VSEL (later BAE Systems), Barrow-in-Furness<ref name="Janes" /> | 12 March 1997<ref name="Janes" /> | 22 October 1998<ref name="Janes" /> | 29 September 2000<ref name="Janes" /> | 8 April 2003<ref name="Janes" /> |
| Template:Ship | A390 | BAE Systems, Govan<ref name="Janes" /> | 10 February 2000<ref name="Janes" /> | 9 February 2001<ref name="Janes" /> | 27 April 2003<ref name="Janes" /> |
FutureEdit
In June 2018 it was reported by the Brazilian press that the UK MoD had offered to sell one or both of the Wave-class tankers to Brazil.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As early as 2010, BAE Systems had proposed providing Brazil with a variant of the Wave-class, tailored to meet the specific aviation, stores and personnel requirements of the Brazilian Navy.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
As of June 2020, Wave Ruler was reported to be in extended readiness (uncrewed reserve)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> but maintained in good condition and available for reactivation.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In February 2022, it was reported that both tankers of the class would be kept in "extended readiness".<ref name="NAO report on EP says MoD has decid"/>
In June 2023, one report suggested that due to manning shortages in the RFA, both ships would be decommissioned and potentially sold abroad.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> However, in the same month James Cartlidge, the Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, stated that both ships were to be retained in extended readiness until 2028 with the option of potentially reactivating them if required.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
On November 20th 2024 Secretary of State for Defence John Healey announced that both Wave class would be decommissioned to save costs. <ref> {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
GalleryEdit
- RFA Wave Knight (A-389).jpg
Wave Knight prepares to transfer fuel to the amphibious assault ship Template:USS during a replenishment at sea.
- RFA Wave Ruler (A390).jpg
Wave Ruler underway with a United States Coast Guard Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin helicopter embarked
- Wave Ruler refuels Robert G Bradley.jpg
Wave Ruler (background) refuels Template:USS in the Pacific Ocean.
- US Navy 070409-N-5459S-082 From right to left, RFA Wave Ruler (A390), USS Mahan (DDG 72), CS Almirante Latorre (FFG 14), FGS Sachsen (F 219), and USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) navigate together in formation during an exercise.jpg
Wave Ruler (foreground), Template:USS, Almirante Latorre, Sachsen, and Template:USS navigate in formation.
- RAF Wave Knight replenishing French frigate Germinal.jpg
Wave Knight resupplying French frigate Germinal.
See alsoEdit
- List of replenishment ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- Wave-class oiler - 1940s class some of whose names were reused by the 2003 ships