MS Baltic Ferry was built in 1978 by South Korean-based Hyundai H.I. for Stena Lines who had intended her, and 10 sister ships to be used for charter or sale to other operators. She was chartered by Townsend Thoresen in 1980, staying with them and their successor P&O Ferries and P&O Irish Sea until 2005. In 1982 the Ministry of Defence requisitioned the vessel to transport troops to the Falkland Islands.

This is a list of the naval forces from the United Kingdom that took part in the Falklands War, often referred to as "the Task Force" in the context of the war. For a list of naval forces from Argentina, see Argentine naval forces in the Falklands War.