New Navy Tanker Prepares For Service

RFA Tidespring is the first of four new generation 'Tide-class' tankers to arrive in the UK. 

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel will be customised in Falmouth. The operation is intended to ensure the 39,000-tonne tanker can provide effective support for the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and rest of the Royal Navy fleet.

The first of the carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is due to make its first sailing later this year

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin said: "RFA Tidespring's UK arrival is a key milestone in 2017, the 'Year of the Royal Navy' 

RFA Tidespring is expected to begin sea trials in July