RFA Bayleaf (A109)
RFA Bayleaf (A109) is a Fleet Support Tanker with the RFA. She was completed on the 28th of March 1982 at Birkenhead, and taken on as a bareboat charter.
... primary role of replenishing warships at sea ...
There have been 3 ships in the history of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary with the name RFA Bayleaf. In 1918 the first RFA Bayleaf was damaged in bad weather near Oban, and was out of service for 3 months. The Second RFA Bayleaf was originally named Integrity and bareboat chartered in June of 1959 and returned to her owners in February 1973.
The current RFA Bayleaf was launched at the end of October 1981 and was bareboat chartered by the RFA on the 25th of March 1982.
As well as their primary role of replenishing warships at sea, fleet support tankers are used for the bulk movement of fuels between MOD(N) depots. The Bayleaf has three Leaf Class sisters - RFA Brambleleaf, RFA Oakleaf and RFA Orangeleaf. All four were originally designed as commercial tankers and underwent major conversions to bring them up to RFA standards and equip them for naval support. These involved adding a considerable amount of electronics, both in communications and navigational aids, fitting two replenishment rigs and increasing the amount of accommodation.
Reasons for the change to double hulled vessels can be found here.
RFA Bayleaf ship details.
Length: 170.7 metres
Breadth: 25.9 metres
Draught: 11 metres
Displacement: 37,930 tonnes
Speed: 15 knots
Propulsion: Two Crossley Pielstick 14PC 2V engines (14,000 bhp) through one shaft.
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