Stunning image shows carrier being refuelled at night

A remarkable image shared by RFA Tidesurge shows the vessel refuelling HMS Prince of Wales in a complex operation known as a Replenishment at Sea.

The photograph captures the two ships expertly positioned just 42 metres apart, silhouetted dramatically against the night sky as fuel is transferred.

The challenging manoeuvre, which involves precisely matching speed and course, underscores the high level of skill and coordination required by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary team.

⛽️🌊 @RFAHeadquarters never shy from a challenge!

❓What can be more challenging than bringing two ships as close as 42 metres, matching course and speed so we can transfer fuel?

🌌Doing it with @HMSPWLS at night – as we did last week!#CareersAtSea #ReadyForAnything pic.twitter.com/oDaUbIP14E

— RFA Tidesurge (@RFATidesurge) October 30, 2024

Both vessels were at sea participating in Exercise Strike Warrior, which has now concluded. Participating ships have conducted their own training – fighting fires and floods, dealing with mock casualties, and replenishing fuel and stores while underway.

The end goal, say the Royal Navy, is to hone individual and collective skills to forge a powerful yet flexible trike group able to deploy around the globe.

“Strike Warrior has delivered a short and intense period of training for the UK Carrier Strike Group, testing the group all the way from individual responses to a fire or flood through to complex long-range F-35B missions involving live weapon drops in support of Royal Marines ashore,” said Captain John Cromie, Deputy Commander UK Carrier Strike Group.

“Throughout the Strike Group has taken the opportunity to work alongside NATO partners participating in activity concurrent to Strike Warrior, confirming our procedures and interoperability with key Allies and demonstrating the UK’s continued and absolute commitment to NATO.”

Replenishment at Sea?

Replenishment at Sea (RAS) is a process enabling a support vessel to transfer fuel, supplies, and other necessities to other ships while maintaining speed and position on open water. During RAS operations, the vessels align closely and precisely, maintaining a steady course and distance as supplies are passed over lines or hoses stretched between them. This procedure allows for continuous support to naval vessels without the need to dock, thereby extending the operational reach and effectiveness of forces across vast distances.

RFA Tidesurge

RFA Tidesurge, a Tide-class fast fleet tanker, was built in 2017 by DSME in South Korea and entered Royal Fleet Auxiliary service in February 2019. Designed to support Royal Navy operations worldwide, this 38,000-ton vessel has a length of 200.6 metres and a beam of 28.6 metres, allowing her to maintain a high operational tempo with speeds of up to 20 knots.

She’s equipped with tanks holding 18,000 cubic meters of diesel and aviation fuel, 1,300 cubic meters of fresh water, and capacity for additional supplies, enhancing her utility in extended deployments.

The ship’s systems include the Kelvin Hughes Integrated Bridge System, Servowatch IPMS, and three SharpEye radars for enhanced situational awareness. Tidesurge’s self-defence capabilities can be fitted as required, with armaments like two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and 30 mm cannons, providing her with essential protection in high-risk operational zones. Her flight deck and hangar facilities support a variety of helicopters, including Merlin and Wildcat, while her deck space is also capable of handling a Chinook.

Delivered to the UK after extensive trials, Tidesurge was customised at Falmouth with communications, self-defence weaponry, and armour upgrades. Her first major trial included successful helicopter operations with a Chinook, a first for the class, followed by her initial replenishment at sea (RAS) with HMS Defender in 2019. With a range of 18,300 nautical miles, Tidesurge offers extensive refuelling capabilities critical for sustained operations.