RFA Tidespring gears up to support major naval deployment

The crew of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Tidespring are preparing to support the Royal Navy’s largest operational deployment in four years, as Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) prepares to depart for the Indo-Pacific next week, according to a press release.

The 39,000-tonne tanker is one of four Tide-class vessels built to support carrier strike operations and will play a central role in sustaining UK and allied warships during the eight-month deployment led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

The mission includes port visits to Japan and Australia, and additional support from the Norwegian Navy’s HNoMS Maud and, later in the deployment, the aviation training and hospital ship RFA Argus.

“The RFA will play its part during the Carrier Strike Group deployment to sustain the UK’s expeditionary maritime and security capabilities in key strategic regions,” Commodore Sam Shattock, Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, was quoted as saying. “I wish the supporting RFA ships and people all the best for the deployment and look forward to welcoming them home at the end.”

Tidespring has spent much of 2025 undergoing maintenance and upgrades in Birkenhead, including specialist biofouling treatment to prevent the spread of invasive marine species. The crew also completed Operational Sea Training off the South Coast, simulating real-world threats and emergencies.

Communications Rating Adam Torap described one of the most intense drills: “Doing a Thursday War – when they throw everything at the ship and ship’s company to test us – was a highlight of my time in service,” he was quoted as saying. “Now we’re about to travel the world as part of Carrier Strike Group 25.”

With the capacity to carry 19 million litres of fuel and deliver up to 800,000 litres per hour during replenishment at sea, Tidespring plays a vital role in ensuring the strike group remains operationally flexible. The ship also carries more than a million litres of fresh water and space for up to eight shipping containers—used for spare parts, disaster relief equipment, or food.

The tanker’s flight deck can accommodate any UK military helicopter, and the hangar supports embarked Merlins or Wildcats used in anti-submarine warfare, counter-narcotics, or humanitarian aid missions.