Cammell Laird’s Defence Division has enjoyed a busy twelve months, as it continues to provide support to the four Tide Class tankers of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).
The 39,000-tonne newly built vessels came into service in 2017 and were built to replace the RFA’s single-hulled tankers.
Bulk fuel Replenishment
Together with RFA’s Wave Knight and Fort Victoria, the four tankers are maintaining the Royal Navy’s dedicated bulk fuel Replenishment at Sea (RAS) capabilities, transferring fuel, and stores to Royal Navy vessels while in operational theatre across the globe.
RFA Tideforce is the latest vessel to undergo her first refit period, as part of the ten-year Future In-Service Support contract awarded to Cammell Laird, by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in October 2018.
New exhaust system
All works were completed on time and RFA Tideforce returned to the operational fleet in February 2022
Works included the installation of a new exhaust system, a routine overhaul of the main propulsion systems and generator engines along with a complete paint refresh. Tideforce’s RAS equipment was also overhauled, tested, and recertified.
Major work and services were also carried out on winches and engines, while the HP seawater system was completely modified with the changing of associated HPSW valves.
RFA Tideforce arrived in Cammell Laird in April 2021. All works were completed on time and RFA Tideforce returned to the operational fleet in February 2022.
Surveys and refit periods
RFA Tidespring, the first of the four Tide Class vessels, has subsequently returned to Cammell Laird for her second major refit period. RFA Tidespring‘s refit period will include her first five-year survey, including an overhaul of her propulsion system, full tank surveys, engine overhauls, and a full paintwork.
All three of the remaining Tide Class vessels will return to Cammell Laird for their own five-year surveys and refit periods over the coming years.
In-service support
Cammell Laird’s in-service support contract ensures that all four of the Tide Class ships can remain fully effective while deployed to operational theatre across the Globe.
The Tide Class tankers play a significant role in supporting the Aircraft Carrier Strike Group
The Tide Class tankers play a significant role in supporting the Aircraft Carrier Strike Group, a formation of support vessels, submarines, and warships that support HMSQueen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales Aircraft Carriers while on operational deployment.
The Tide Class Replenishment at Sea operations refuel all vessels of the Carrier Strike Group, ensuring minimum disruption to ongoing operations. The Tide Class vessels are armed with a self-defence weapon system and can accommodate Wildcat and Merlin helicopters.
Knowledge and expertise
Mike Hill, Managing Director, Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd, said, "During the last 15 years, Cammell Laird has established a strong relationship with the RFA, supporting their flotilla."
He adds, "Cammell Laird continues to build upon its considerable knowledge and expertise of the RFA from our dedicated Cluster Support Team (CST), based on the River Mersey."
Optimum availability
Mike Hill continues, "Drawing upon Cammell Laird’s world-class skills and facilities, we can provide around-the-clock support to the RFA flotilla, while at home and abroad, ensuring the optimum availability to the operational fleet."
In addition to its ongoing support of the Tide Class, Cammell Laird continues to provide support to RFA Fort Victoria, RFA Wave Knight, and RFA Wave Ruler.
