UK to sell two Wave-class fast fleet tankers to private company

February 19, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The UK government has signed an agreement with marine and defense group Inocea Group to transfer ownership of two former Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave-class fast fleet tankers, Wave Knight and Wave Ruler.

Royal Navy file photo of Wave-class tanker RFA Wave Knight

For two decades, the Wave-class tankers supported British and allied naval operations worldwide, providing fuel and supplies during sustained deployments.

Built for high-tempo fleet support, the ships combine speed, long endurance, aviation facilities, and full replenishment-at-sea capability in a double-hulled design constructed to naval standards. They have served as key assets for sustaining expeditionary maritime operations.

Amid heightened global security pressures and increased operational demand on allied navies, the reactivation of these logistics platforms is expected to enhance operational reach and sustainment capacity. Fast fleet tankers play a critical role in enabling naval task groups to operate longer and farther from home ports by providing fuel, supplies and aviation support at sea.

Wave Knight and Wave Ruler will be reactivated to full operational readiness under class, and flag-state requirements, and operated by Inocea. The company plans to draw on its experience in building, refitting and operating naval support vessels, including work on the combat support ship operated for allied missions. Following reactivation, both ships will provide frontline service for at least 20 years.

“Wave Knight and Wave Ruler are exceptional ships. They have a long life ahead of them supporting critical naval missions worldwide. Their availability is fortuitous and Inocea will leverage its proven capability to address the growing global strain on naval manpower and force structures,” Alex Vicefield, co-owner, Inocea Group, said.

“We have worked with the British government, industry partners and allied end-users to ensure these ships are quickly reactivated and entered into service. With this acquisition, Inocea continues its focus on providing strategically important naval capability through unique service models, ensuring these much-needed assets remain active contributors to allied security,” added James Davies, co-owner, Inocea Group.

The Wave-class tankers displace around 31,500 tonnes, measure about 196.5 metres in length, and can travel up to 10,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. Designed with double hulls to reduce environmental risk, the tankers are equipped with multiple replenishment rigs, which could generate significant quantities of potable water and support helicopter operations from onboard flight decks and hangar facilities. They entered service in 2003 as replacements for ageing Ol-class support vessels.

After roughly two decades of global deployments supporting a range of naval operations, both Wave-class tankers were placed in extended readiness and earmarked for decommissioning as the Ministry of Defense transitioned its roles to newer, larger Tide-class replenishment ships.

Official plans called for Wave Knight and Wave Ruler to be retired by March 2025, reflecting broader changes in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s logistics fleet structure.