One of the Royal Navy’s largest tankers, RFA Tidesurge, is nearing the end of a demanding two-month deployment, during which it provided crucial support to UK and NATO warships in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, according to a Royal Navy press release.

Iceberg image: C/O(E) David Mann, RFA Tidesurge

Since September, Tidesurge has covered over 13,500 miles—equivalent to sailing halfway around the world—delivering essential fuel to Royal Navy and Allied vessels on the front line.

The ship has transferred enough fuel during this period to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool or more than 40,000 family cars, ensuring that the ships remain on task without needing to return to port.

RFA Tidespring shares stunning Scottish aurora

Despite the routine nature of these operations, the process of Replenishment at Sea (RAS) is a complex and hazardous task. As Tidesurge’s Third Officer Josh Sylvester explained, “A replenishment at sea is a dangerous and challenging evolution for all involved… Pumping a volatile commodity through a replenishment rig suspended across a span of thrashing sea… takes skill, concentration, and experience.”

The RAS manoeuvres require careful coordination between the tanker and the warship, with both vessels separated by about 42 metres, travelling parallel at the same speed. These operations often last several hours and can take place at any time, in any weather, to ensure the warships can continue their missions.

In addition to fuel, Tidesurge delivered dry stores, such as food and essential supplies, either through jackstay transfers or vertical replenishments carried out by NH-90 helicopters.

The crew of Tidesurge also had the chance to experience the Arctic, with some members crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time, participating in the traditional ceremony led by ‘King Neptune’. The voyage also provided the crew with breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, marine wildlife, and icebergs, as described by Sylvester: “Cruising over 12,500 nautical miles… has provided the ships’ company with some outstanding displays of natural beauty, including the Northern Lights… and a remarkable vantage point for spotting icebergs.”

Tidesurge will soon return to Portland for maintenance and a crew change before continuing her duties at sea.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Angus
Angus (@guest_866292)
3 days ago

Of course the RFA are there they are a real asset not only to the RN but NATO and its about time the crews were rewarded appropriately for their professional service. UK Gov sort this situation NOW and lets get the service back up to the manning levels required to ensure the vessels are ALL manned to the right levels and at sea. A small price for a BIG BIG WIN for all concerned.

Barry White
Barry White (@guest_866300)
3 days ago

It was more dangerous before the probes came into being The old boom rigs were dangerous in choppy weather but the job got done No winch cabs on the older ones Steam winches which were a nightmare in hot weather but were a godsend in cold weather Very little BS in those days and we didnt have to ware silly uniforms and were called AB’s etc and not naval terms such as Leading Hands and so forth We could swing around the rigs in bosuns chairs” and when alongside on “stages” to tough up the ships side the list goes… Read more »

ABCRodney
ABCRodney (@guest_866348)
2 days ago

So we do have an RFA Ship with a crew and at sea. Am I on the naughty step for some reasonas all my comments seem to go for approval ? Or could it be I’m now using a secure VPN ?

Last edited 2 days ago by ABCRodney
Barry White
Barry White (@guest_866385)
2 days ago

Have i been banned for some reason?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_866461)
2 days ago

Test.
I cannot comment they’re all going to moderation.

Joanna Woodcock
Joanna Woodcock (@guest_866913)
1 minute ago

As ship’s Sponsor, I am enormously proud of the ship’s company and their vital support to operations. BZ