'Exceptional' RFA Wave Knight and Wave Ruler in 'excellent technical condition' to be sold and reactivated

Inocea Group, a British international marine and defence technology company, reported that it has signed an agreement to purchase the ships after they were decommissioned in November 2024. The business plans to reactivate them so they can be returned to operational service.

Co-owner Alex Vicefield said: “Wave Knight and Wave Ruler are exceptional ships. They have a long life ahead of them supporting critical naval missions worldwide. Their availability is fortuitous and Inocea will leverage its proven capability to address the growing global strain on naval manpower and force structures.

“Our goal is simple: ensure these exceptional ships can, for decades to come, support allied fleets, extend operational reach, and strengthen allied maritime readiness."

Why were the ships decommissioned?

The Wave-class fast fleet tankers were launched in 2000 and tasked with operations across the globe. This included fending off pirate attacks in the Gulf in 2009, anti-narcotics and disaster relief operations in the Caribbean in 2013, and various replenishment at sea drills for warships in the Middle East, Baltic, and elsewhere.

Brazilian press reported in June 2018 the Ministry of Defence (MoD) offered to sell them one or both of the tankers, but this never materialised. RFA Wave Knight was placed on extended readiness in 2022, meaning un-crewed reserve. Her sister ship was put in a similar position in late 2021.

Navy Lookout reported in 2023 that the careers of both vessels were over due to manpower shortages. Then minister of state for defence James Cartlidge, Conservative, said the pair would be placed on extended readiness until 2028, with the possibility of reactivating them.

Under the new Labour government, defence secretary John Healey said the vessels would be retired as they had ”not been to sea for years”. Alongside the retirements of HMS Northumberland, HMS Bulwark, HMS Albion, 46 watchkeeper Mk1 drones, 14 Chinook helicopters, and 17 Puma aircraft, he said this would save the taxpayer £150m over the next two years, and up to £500m over the next five.

The Ministry of Defence’s Annual Report and Accounts, both ships had an asset value of £58m. RFA Wave Knight has been left in the vicinity of HMNB Portsmouth and Portsmouth International Port for much of that time.

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What are the futures of RFA Wave Knight and Wave Ruler?

Inocea Group said the ships were “preserved in class and are in excellent technical condition”. The company has a history of operating such vessels, including Combat Support Ship Asterix which has served Nato and allied forces in 536 operations since 2018.

Co-owner James Davies said: “We have worked with the British government, industry partners and allied end-users to ensure these ships are quickly reactivated and entered into service.

“With this acquisition, Inocea continues its focus on providing strategically important naval capability through unique service models, ensuring these much-needed assets remain active contributors to allied security."