The Wave-class tankers are a class of fast fleet tankers in service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The class is tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world. There are two ships in the class, RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler. The ships were ordered to replace the aging Ol-class tankers RFA Olna and RFA Olwen. The two vessels have seen service in a number of locations, including anti-drug and hurricane relief operations in the Caribbean Sea, anti-piracy activities around the Horn of Africa, and deterrent patrols in the South Atlantic. As of early 2022, both ships were earmarked for "extended readiness" status.
RFA Wave Ruler (left) carrying out a replenishment at sea with the frigate HMS Iron Duke in 2006
Wave Knight prepares to transfer fuel to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during a replenishment at sea.
Wave Ruler underway with a United States Coast Guard Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin helicopter embarked
Wave Ruler (background) refuels USS Robert G. Bradley in the Pacific Ocean.
A replenishment oiler or replenishment tanker is a naval auxiliary ship with fuel tanks and dry cargo holds which can supply both fuel and dry stores during underway replenishment (UNREP) at sea. Many countries have used replenishment oilers.
The replenishment oiler HMAS Sirius (right) providing fuel to the amphibious warfare ship USS Juneau while both are underway
RFA Tiderace performing a dual repenishment of Royal Navy frigates HMS Lancaster and HMS Westminster.
Replenishment oiler USS Wabash at work
USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) an underway replenishment oiler.
