Inocea Group to Acquire UK's Wave Class Fast Naval Replenishment Fleet to Return Proven NATO Capability to Active Service
Press Release + Noah Note
Inocea today announced the signing of an agreement to acquire the United Kingdom's Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels Wave Knight and Wave Ruler, two of the most capable fast fleet tankers ever operated by a NATO navy.
For two decades, the Wave class platforms sustained British and allied naval forces in all major theatres of operation worldwide. Designed for high-tempo fleet operations, they combine speed, endurance, aviation facilities and full Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) capability in a modern double-hulled platform. Built to full naval standards, the vessels are sovereign enablers of sustained and expeditionary maritime power.
The vessels have been maintained in extended readiness, preserved in class and are in excellent technical condition
In an increasingly volatile threat environment with sustained pressure on allied naval forces, the rapid availability of these sovereign logistics platforms supports credible deterrence and extends operational reach. These fast fleet tankers are strategic enablers, extending the endurance, independence and expeditionary capability of naval task forces. Returning them to service meets the urgent need for rapidly deployable, world-class support for allied fleets.
Inocea will leverage its long experience in building, refitting, owning, operating and maintaining similar vessels - notably Combat Support Ship Asterix which has served 21 NATO and allied forces in 536 operations with distinction since 2018.
Wave Knight and Wave Ruler will be reactivated to full operational readiness under class and flag-state requirements and operated by Inocea companies to support allied navies.
Noah Note: Well, colour me shocked. Inocea will be acquiring the Wave-class fleet after long speculation about their future. The two Wave-class tankers were decommissioned last year as part of ongoing cost-saving cuts happening in the RN and RFA.
Before that, both tankers sat in extended readiness for several years, and the expectation of them returning to service was fairly minimal. My expectation was that they were going to be scrapped; however, it seems Inocea has a different idea in mind.
I can't speak to the state of the vessels myself, but the Wave-class represents a significant step up for Inocea. These are “Fast Fleet Tankers," designed to keep pace with a front-line carrier strike group, reaching speeds of up to 18–20 knots. Displacing approximately 31,500 tonnes and measuring 196.5 meters in length, they are massive vessels with a crew of ~100 personnel.
In terms of capability, the Wave-class can carry up to 16,000 m³ of liquids (including diesel and aviation fuel) and 500 m³ of solid stores, such as ammunition and food. They are equipped with three replenishment-at-sea (RAS) rigs, allowing them to refuel ships from both sides and the stern simultaneously. Additionally, they feature a full flight deck and hangar capable of supporting a Merlin helicopter, making them versatile enough for anti-piracy, disaster relief, and specialized naval support missions.
As of now, details are limited. We don't know whether these will fall under the Federal Fleet banner, nor do we have timelines. It has also not been confirmed yet from the government side, so I am choosing to wait and see. I will update this as more info becomes available.
Everyone is short of tankers these days. Definitely a market. These two hulls are very capable, and I wonder what INOCEA has in mind for the platforms. They are four steps above Asterix. However Victoria/Upholder has taught us that mothballed British hulls may not be the deal that we think they are. Be nice though if we get a ready made four ship replenishment fleet. We’d lose our shirts though in the contract.
Wait, are you saying that INOCEA has purchased these for use for Canada? Or are these going to be hired out to NATO forces in general?