There's momentum behind the build, RFA's head says, as keel laid on RFA Resurgent
A key milestone has been reached in the build of the Royal Navy's first fleet solid support ship.
RFA Resurgent, the first-in-class of the three new fleet solid support (FSS) ships being delivered to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), had her keel laid.
The keel-laying ceremony, held at Navantia UK's Appledore shipyard, marked the point at which her structure begins to take shape.
Munitions, spares and food
The RFA's boss, Commodore Sam Shattock, also announced the names of her sister ships, RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful, during the ceremony.
"Seeing construction progress here in Appledore demonstrates the momentum behind a project that will provide the Royal Fleet Auxiliary with world-class capabilities to sustain Royal Navy operations across the globe," Cdre Shattock 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."
Once in service, RFA Resurgent and her two sister ships will deliver munitions, spares, food, and other essential supplies to Royal Navy vessels at sea, meaning that the fleet can stay deployed for longer, including in support of Carrier Strike Group operations.
They will provide logistical and operational support, including on counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions and will collaborate with allies on operations.
A specially commissioned coin will be presented to the captain and crew when the ship is ready to sail in line with tradition.
The trio of vessels, which will have a 30-year operational lifespan, will each have a core RFA crew of 101, with accommodation provided for an extra 80 personnel operating helicopters, boats, or performing other roles if needed.
RFA the Royal Navy's backbone
The delivery of the first FSS ship is on schedule, as RFA Resurgent is expected to enter service with the RFA in the early 2030s.
The ships are designed to minimise carbon emissions, kitted out with energy-efficient technologies to reduce power consumption, and are adaptable to decrease their carbon footprint.
"The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are the backbone of our Royal Navy," Luke Pollard, the Defence Readiness and Industry Minister, said.
"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."
The ship modules' construction is taking place at Navantia UK's Appledore yard, along with its Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast and Navantia's yards in Spain.
The final assembly, integration and the trials of the ships will happen at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Northern Ireland's capital.
The FSS programme will see around £100m invested into Navantia's UK shipyards in Belfast and Appledore, Devon, leading to 1,200 jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships and supporting reindustrialisation.
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