New £65 Million Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship to Guard UK’s Undersea Infrastructure
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is gearing up to launch a cutting-edge £65 million offshore patrol vessel, designed to protect Britain’s vital underwater assets. The 6,000-tonne, 98-metre Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ship will operate advanced remote and autonomous systems for underwater surveillance and seabed warfare.
Protecting the UK’s Energy and Communication Lifelines
With energy and communication cables on the seabed under growing threat from hostile forces, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace fast-tracked the procurement of these MROS vessels. The ships are crucial for shielding the UK’s critical national infrastructure from sabotage and espionage.
Topaz Tangaroa Prepares for Frontline Service
The first of two MROS vessels, the ‘Topaz Tangaroa’, was built in 2019 by Vard and has been purchased to join the RFA fleet. Soon it will dock at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead for swift modifications before entering service as a seabed warfare ship later this year.
MROS Project Manager Gareth Morris: “I’m incredibly proud to have worked collaboratively with an innovative team to deliver this critical new capability to the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Lessons learned during this fast-paced and novel procurement journey have been invaluable and will positively impact future projects.”
Fast-Tracked for the Nation’s Defence
The procurement was handled by the Ships Acquisition team within DE&S, who worked at speed to adapt a commercial vessel to meet military needs. Extensive market checks confirmed this approach maximises value for taxpayers and ensures timely delivery of this vital asset.
DE&S Director General Ships Vice Admiral Paul Marshall: “DE&S worked at pace to successfully accelerate the purchase and delivery of the first ship under the critical MROS programme. We continue to work with agility to support the UK MOD in addressing both the current and future threats posed by an ever-changing world.”
Commodore David Eagles, Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary: “This is an entirely new mission for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – and one we relish. We have been entrusted with supporting a key operation to safeguard the UK’s infrastructure, security and prosperity and that fills all of us in the RFA with pride. These are really exciting times.”
