The Wave-class tankers are a class of two fast fleet tankers which were in service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) the naval auxiliary fleet of the United Kingdom. The class was tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world. The two ships in the class are: and . These were ordered to replace the aging s and . anti-piracy activities around the Horn of Africa, and deterrent patrols in the South Atlantic. As of early 2022, both ships were earmarked for "extended readiness" status (i.e. uncrewed reserve). In November 2024, the newly elected Labour government indicated that both ships would be removed from service by March 2025.

In February 2026 Inocea Group (a commercial company) announced the purchase of both Wave-class ships.

Construction programme

The vessels were constructed in twelve modular segments that were subsequently assembled. For RFA Wave Knight, the cargo tankage was fabricated at Harland and Wolff in Belfast, while the 1,000-tonne stern block was produced at Cammell Laird in Newcastle and shipped by sea to Barrow. The funnel was sourced from Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon. In contrast, RFA Wave Ruler was predominantly built at Govan, although some of the steel components originated from Barrow.

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|A389

|VSEL (later BAE Systems), Barrow-in-Furness As early as 2010, BAE Systems had proposed providing Brazil with a variant of the Wave-class, tailored to meet the specific aviation, stores and personnel requirements of the Brazilian Navy.

In June 2020, RFA Wave Ruler was reported to be in extended readiness (uncrewed reserve) but maintained in good condition and available for re-activation. In February 2022, it was reported that both tankers of the class would be kept in "extended readiness". However, in the same month James Cartlidge, the then Minister of State for Defence Procurement, stated that both ships were to be retained in extended readiness until 2028 with the option of potentially reactivating them if required.

On 20 November 2024, the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey announced that both Wave-class oilers were to be decommissioned by March 2025, three years earlier than initially planned, in order to reduce expenses.

On 18 February 2026, Inocea Group announced the purchase of both Wave-class ships, with the intention of fitting them up for active service with allied nations.

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File:RFA Wave Knight (A-389).jpg|Wave Knight prepares to transfer fuel to the amphibious assault ship during a replenishment at sea.

File:RFA Wave Ruler (A390).jpg|Wave Ruler underway with a United States Coast Guard Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin helicopter embarked

File:Wave Ruler refuels Robert G Bradley.jpg|Wave Ruler (background) refuels in the Pacific Ocean.

File:US Navy 070409-N-5459S-082 From right to left, RFA Wave Ruler (A390), USS Mahan (DDG 72), CS Almirante Latorre (FFG 14), FGS Sachsen (F 219), and USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) navigate together in formation during an exercise.jpg|Wave Ruler (foreground), , Almirante Latorre, Sachsen, and navigate in formation.

File:RAF Wave Knight replenishing French frigate Germinal.jpg|Wave Knight resupplying French frigate Germinal.

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See also

  • List of replenishment ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  • Wave-class oiler - 1940s class some of whose names were reused by the 2003 ships

References

  • Video of RFA Wave Ruler (A390) near Plymouth on 9 October 2009.