A
picture was released this week showing the future RFA Tidespring
(A 136), the first of four new MARS (Military Afloat Reach and
Sustainability) tankers in builder sea trials off South Korea with Daewoo
Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME). The tanker is expected in
Falmouth, UK, later this year for military customisation.
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In
February 2012, DSME received a UK Ministry of Defence contract for the
construction of four new generation large supply vessels (to be named
A 136 Tidespring, A 137 Tiderace, A 138 Tidesurge, A 139 Tideforce)
as part of the MARS program for a total value of 452 million pounds.
The vessel design was done by British company BMT Defence Services.
First steel cut of lead ship of the class Tidespring took place on July
27, 2014. The three remaining vessels will be delivered every six months
after delivery of Tidespring.
The four Tide-class tankers, Tidespring, Tiderace, Tidesurge and Tideforce,
will enter service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to boost the Royal
Navy capabilities by delivering fuel, water, spare parts and other supplies.
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