The two vessels have seen service in a number of locations, including anti-drug and hurricane relief operations in the Caribbean Sea,[7][8][9] anti-piracy activities around the Horn of Africa,[10][11] and deterrent patrols in the South Atlantic.[12][13] As of early 2022, both ships were earmarked for "extended readiness" status (i.e. uncrewed reserve).[14] In November 2024, the newly electedLabour government indicated that both ships would be removed from service by March 2025.[15]
The ships have the capability to supply fuel and other liquid cargo to vessels using replenishment rigs on port and starboard beams and through a Hudson reel-type stern rig. When providing support for amphibious operations, the ships are also able to deliver fuel to dracones positioned alongside. The equipment load includes cranes (for stores handling and abeam replenishment), steering and rudder gear, thyristor-controlled winch/windlasses and double drum mooring winches. Up to 16,000m3 (570,000cuft) of liquids and 500m3 (18,000cuft) of general solids can be carried. In addition, reverse-osmosis equipment is fitted enabling the production of 100m3 (3,500cuft) of drinkable water per day.[3]
The vessels were designed with double hulls to prevent or reduce environmental pollution from oil spills if damage is sustained to the outer hull.[2]
The vessels have a standard crew of 80 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel with provision for a further 22 Royal Navy personnel to conduct helicopter and weapons systems operations.[3] They carry a full medical team and sick bay and are capable of distributing 2,000 emergency relief packages in times of crisis.[16]
Construction programme
The vessels were constructed in twelve modular segments that were subsequently assembled. For RFA Wave Knight, the cargo tankage was fabricated at Harland and Wolff in Belfast, while the 1,000-tonne stern block was produced at Cammell Laird in Newcastle and shipped by sea to Barrow. The funnel was sourced from Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon. In contrast, RFA Wave Ruler was predominantly built at Govan, although some of the steel components originated from Barrow.[17]
In June 2018 it was reported by the Brazilian press that the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MoD) had offered to sell one or both of the Wave-class tankers to Brazil.[18] As early as 2010, BAE Systems had proposed providing Brazil with a variant of the Wave-class, tailored to meet the specific aviation, stores and personnel requirements of the Brazilian Navy.[19]
In June 2020, RFA Wave Ruler was reported to be in extended readiness (uncrewed reserve)[20] but maintained in good condition and available for re-activation.[21] In February 2022, it was reported that both tankers of the class would be kept in "extended readiness".[14] In June 2023, one report suggested that due to manning shortages in the RFA, both ships would be decommissioned and potentially sold abroad.[22] However, in the same month James Cartlidge, the thenMinister of State for Defence Procurement, stated that both ships were to be retained in extended readiness until 2028 with the option of potentially reactivating them if required.[23]
On 20 November 2024, the Secretary of State for DefenceJohn Healey announced that both Wave-class oilers were to be decommissioned by March 2025, three years earlier than initially planned, in order to reduce expenses.[24][25]
Gallery
Wave Knight prepares to transfer fuel to the amphibious assault ship USSBataan during a replenishment at sea.
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Royal Fleet Auxiliary 
