Construction of the first Fleet Solid Support ship, RFA Resurgent, is progressing at the Appledore shipyard in Devon, with teams now working on nine blocks that will form the vessel’s first bow section.
Navantia UK said in a social media post that work at the yard has been building steadily since the first steel was cut for the Fleet Solid Support programme in December 2025, with activity increasing week by week as the programme moves from early set-up into a more consistent production rhythm.
An early milestone has already been reached as the inaugural test block has completed its Structural Dry Survey with Lloyd’s Register and has been signed off as suitable for integration into the first ship, where it will form block B108. Navantia UK described this as a practical confirmation that processes and quality are being established as intended.
The next significant step is expected in mid-May, when the Fleet Solid Support transport barge arrives from Methil in Scotland. Once on site, the barge will act as the working platform for the bow section, with assembly continuing on board ahead of a scheduled delivery to Belfast from March 2027.
The Fleet Solid Support programme will deliver three new support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, replacing the now-retired Fort class vessels. Final assembly of the ships will take place at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast yard, with blocks built at shipyards across the UK including Appledore, with work also being done in Cadiz, Spain.
