The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge arrived in Gibraltar today for a routine visit. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

The RFA provides logistical support to the Royal Navy, all over the world. That includes  refuelling its warships, at sea. Scheduled to enter service in 2018. RFA Tidesurge (A138) is  the Third of Class of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) Tankers. 

At 39,000 tonnes, the Tide class tankers are the largest ships currently in service within the  Royal Fleet Auxiliary. 

The Tide Class tankers are flexible, state-of-the-art double-hulled vessels, designed to  provide key underway replenishment at sea (RAS) capability and support to the Queen  Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. 

Additionally RFA Tidesurge provides fuel and water for Royal Navy, NATO and Allied  warships all around the world. 

The Tide Class tankers are significantly larger than their predecessors with far more  advanced capability, they can also operate Chinook, Merlin or Wildcat helicopters from their  flight decks.