Inocea announced February 18th, the signing of an agreement to acquire the United Kingdom’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary replenishment ships 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.