Significant Progress for Future Navy Support Vessel as Sister Ship Names Revealed

The construction of RFA Resurgent, the first of three new Fleet Solid Support ships, has officially commenced with the laying of her keel, coinciding with the announcement of the names of her sister ships, RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful. This initiative is set to significantly enhance the UK’s shipbuilding capabilities, with an anticipated creation of approximately 1,200 jobs and numerous apprenticeships across Navantia UK’s shipyards in Appledore and Belfast.

Set to enter service in the early 2030s, RFA Resurgent will play a crucial role in supporting Royal Navy vessels at sea, particularly during carrier strike group operations, thereby extending their operational range and duration.

Key Milestone Achieved in Naval Support Ship Programme

Today marked a significant advancement for the Royal Navy, as the keel laying ceremony for RFA Resurgent was held at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard. This event signifies the official start of the ship’s structural development, with the names of her two sister vessels—RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful—being unveiled by Commodore Sam Shattock, the Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

The Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme is projected to involve an investment of around £100 million into Navantia UK’s shipyards located in Belfast and Appledore, Devon. This substantial funding is expected to generate 1,200 jobs and numerous apprenticeship opportunities, thereby fostering the reindustrialisation of the UK shipbuilding sector.

Upon completion, RFA Resurgent and her sister ships will be tasked with delivering essential supplies such as munitions, spare parts, and provisions to Royal Navy vessels operating at sea. This capability will enable the fleet to remain deployed for extended periods, particularly in support of carrier strike group missions.

Government Support Reinforces Naval Readiness

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, expressed confidence in the RFA’s pivotal role within the Royal Navy, stating, “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are the backbone of our Royal Navy, and these new ships will keep our navy ready to operate at range for longer.” He further highlighted the significance of today’s keel laying as a demonstration of progress within a vital programme that bolsters UK shipbuilding, creating thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships in Appledore, Belfast and beyond.

In line with maritime tradition, a specially commissioned coin was placed within the ship’s structure during the ceremony, which will be presented to the Captain and crew when the ship is ready for service.

Commitment to Supporting the Armed Forces

Keith Bethell, Director Maritime Environment at the NAD Group, remarked, “Today’s keel lay represents a critical advancement in providing the necessary support for our Royal Navy to operate effectively and efficiently, wherever required.” He emphasized the NAD Group’s dedication to procuring this capability alongside Navantia UK and the broader supply chain, reinforcing support for the armed forces and British shipbuilding.

Each of the Fleet Solid Support ships will house a core crew of 101, with accommodation for an additional 80 personnel who will operate helicopters, boats, or fulfil various roles as needed. The delivery of RFA Resurgent is progressing as planned, with its entry into service projected for the early 2030s.

Future of UK Shipbuilding and Naval Operations

Commodore Sam Shattock noted, “The laying of the keel today signifies yet another pivotal development in the delivery of RFA Resurgent and the broader Fleet Solid Support programme.” He highlighted the ongoing construction in Appledore as evidence of the momentum behind a project that aims to equip the Royal Fleet Auxiliary with world-class capabilities, ensuring robust support for Royal Navy operations globally.

The commemorative coin placed beneath the keel serves as a tribute to maritime heritage, connecting this contemporary initiative with the legacy of generations of shipbuilders and seafarers. Shattock expressed his delight that apprentices from both Navantia UK and the RFA participated in this momentous occasion, symbolising the future of UK shipbuilding and the RFA.

Expanding Shipbuilding Capacity Across the UK

Construction of the ship modules is currently underway at Navantia UK’s Appledore yard, as well as at Harland & Wolff in Belfast and Navantia’s facilities in Spain. The final assembly, integration, and trials of all ships are scheduled to take place at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast.

Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, commented on the significance of the keel laying, stating, “This marks the formal commencement of assembly for the first Fleet Solid Support ship and is a crucial moment for Appledore, where shipbuilding has returned to a yard with over 170 years of history.” He underscored the FSS programme’s role in rebuilding sovereign industrial capabilities in the UK, creating skilled employment opportunities, mentoring apprentices, and enhancing the supply chain for future naval initiatives, including the upcoming autonomous platforms for the Hybrid Navy.

Martínez concluded by highlighting the importance of sustained investment and collaboration between government and industry, which will be vital as the first ship continues to take shape, and reaffirmed the programme’s alignment with the Government’s Defence Investment Plan and its broader £298 billion commitment to Defence.