RFA Resurgent, the first of three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships being delivered to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, has reached a key construction milestone with its keel laid at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard.
The first of three new Fleet Solid Support ships, which will form the logistical backbone for UK aircraft carrier operations, is being built in sections across Navantia’s yards at Appledore, Cadiz in Spain and Belfast with all the modules being transport to Harland &Wolff’s Belfast facility for final integration.
During the keel-laying ceremony for RFA Resurgent, head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Commodore Sam Shattock revealed the second and third vessels would be named RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful.
As is tradition, a coin was welded to the keel of RFA Resurgent by a Navantia UK apprentice.
The vessels are designed to deliver crucial munitions, supplies and provisions to the Royal Navy while at sea.
They will provide logistical and operational support, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions and will collaborate with allies on operations.
Each ship will have a core RFA crew of 101, with accommodation provided for an additional 80 personnel operating helicopters, boats, or performing other roles when required.
The ships are designed with an emphasis on minimising carbon emissions, equipped with energy-efficient technologies to decrease power consumption and are adaptable to reduce their carbon footprint by using low-carbon, non-fossil fuels and future sustainable energy sources.
They are also designed to be adaptable from the outset to achieve a Carbon Zero status by the end of their 30-year operational lifespan.
"The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are the backbone of our Royal Navy and these new ships will keep our navy ready to operate at range for longer. Seeing the steel cut for RFA Resurgent last year was a proud moment, and today’s keel laying shows real momentum behind this vital programme," Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, said.
"The commemorative coin placed beneath the keel continues a proud maritime tradition, linking this modern programme with generations of shipbuilders and seafarers who have gone before us. I am delighted that apprentices from both Navantia UK and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have been part of this occasion, representing the future of UK shipbuilding and the future of the RFA," Commodore Sam Shattock, Head of the RFA, said.
"FSS is rebuilding sovereign industrial capability in the UK, creating skilled jobs, developing apprentices and strengthening the supply chain for future naval programmes, including the autonomous and uncrewed platforms of the future Hybrid Navy," Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, commented.
Final assembly, integration and trials of the ships will take place at their Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast.
Credit: Royal Navy
Credit: Royal Navy