RFA Proteus: UK’s New ‘Guardian of Underwater Infrastructure’ Enters Service

Britain’s new underwater surveillance ship, RFA Proteus, was officially commissioned into service where its primary mission will be to protect key underwater infrastructure.

The vessel, which will be operated by the support arm of the Royal Navy, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), will serve as a launchpad for remotely-operated vehicles and house a suite of capabilities similar to those found in the oil and gas industries.

Originally constructed in 2019 by Vard, RFA Proteus was previously operated in the commercial sector as a platform supply vessel by Topaz Marine/P&O Maritime Logistics, going by the name Topaz Tangaroa. In November, it was acquired by the UK Government as the first of two ship in the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) program.

The vessel was originally designed for commercial work on oil/gas rigs, construction, maintenance and inspection work, as well as survey and remotely-operated vehicle/autonomous submarine operations, making it an ideal platform for underwater surveillance and seabed warfare.

The ship is equipped with a flight deck, a 1,000-square meter cargo deck, and a heavy-duty crane for lifting and lowering operations. It also also features a ‘moon pool’ – a large access point in the bottom of the hull through which robot submersibles can be launched.

Named after the Greek god of rivers and water, Proteus has undergone an extensive conversion at the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead since its arrival in January.

With its dedication, the vessel becomes the UK’s first ship dedicated to safeguarding vital seabed telecommunications cables and oil and gas pipelines.

The ship’s dedication ceremony took place on the Thames and was attended by RFA Commodore-in-Chief, Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, and Akshata Murty, businesswoman and wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who will serve as Proteus‘ sponsor.

“Bringing a ship into service is a demanding endeavor that relies on a diverse, multi-skilled team, strong leadership, and unflinching determination. I pay tribute to the men and women in the UK, military and civilian, who have contributed to this project and made today possible,” said Commodore David Eagles, head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The 6,000-tonne Proteus is now crewed by 26 Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers and sailors, supported by 60 Royal Navy specialists responsible for undersea surveillance, survey, and warfare systems.

Ship sponsor Akshata Murty, acknowledging the dedication of those involved, said, “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are unsung heroes of our maritime security, and I am incredibly proud of all those who have worked on her to date, and all those who will serve on board in the years to come. I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Proteus and all associated with her.”

Following trials and training off Portland, RFA Proteus made its way London, where it is now berthed alongside the iconic wartime cruiser HMS Belfast. Proteus’ Commanding Officer, Captain Martin Jones, expressed his honor in bringing the vessel to London for its official naming ceremony.

“To be berthed at such an auspicious location alongside HMS Belfast on the River Thames, is a unique opportunity to present the RFA to the public eye and allow the ships company to enjoy the sights and sounds of London,” said Captain Jones.

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