At the end of February, 30 SOLASAFE anti-glare roller sunscreens arrived at the DSME shipyard in Okpo, South Korea to be installed at the navigation bridge windows of the RFA TIDESURGE (A138), The third ‘Tide-class tanker’ of four fast-fleet-tankers that are now entering service with the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The screens, will protect personnel on the navigation bridge and flying control room from solar glare, heat and uv light. They were manufactured by Solar Solve Marine and dispatched from their factory in South Shields, UK. They are the third shipset for the mini-fleet, having previously provided similar consignments to the first 2 sister vessels and with one more still to go in a few months’ time.
The 35,000 ton replenishment vessels, classed as tankers, will provide fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world and at 200 mts long, 29 mts beam and 10 mts draft they will have a speed of 27 knots and a range of 18,200 nautical miles.
They will be exceptionally versatile and able to simultaneously refuel an aircraft carrier and destroyer whilst undertaking helicopter re-supply of other vessels.
John Lightfoot, MBE, Solar Solve’s chairman commented, “I can remember when these vessels were ordered in February 2012. As a true Brit I was not very happy that we were having naval vessels built anywhere else other than here in the UK. Whilst price was obviously a major influencing factor in placing the order, it was stated at the time that a number of British companies took part in the competition, but none submitted a final bid for the build contract. Apparently the capable yards were fully occupied working on the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. If that was the case, then I am sure that Daewoo will have offered the government a good deal. Either way, we at Solar Solve Marine are delighted, as always, the be the MOD’s choice of supplier for the Wheelhouse and Flyco anti-glare roller sunscreens.”
Pictured left: RFA TIDESPRING (A136), The first ‘Tide-class tanker’ of four fast-fleet-tankers that are now entering service with the British Royal Navy’s Fleet Auxiliary. 30 SOLASAFE® roller sunscreens are installed at the navigation bridge and Flyco windows to protect the crew from solar glare and radiation.
Pictured top: RFA TIDERACE (A137), The second ‘Tide-class tanker’ of four fast-fleet-tankers that are now entering service with the British Royal Navy’s Fleet Auxiliary. 30 SOLASAFE® roller sunscreens are installed at the navigation bridge and Flyco windows to protect the crew from solar glare and radiation.
