HMS Queen Elizabeth conducts replenishment at sea for the first time since 2024
A replenishment at sea is a routine but dangerous method of transferring fuel, munitions and stores from one ship to another
One of the UK's two aircraft carriers has carried out her first replenishment at sea (RAS) for the first time in two years.
RFA Tidespring, a Tide-class tanker, provided HMS Queen Elizabeth with fuel, while the aircraft carrier's bridge and seamanship teams acquired more skills on the vessel.
A RAS is a routine, but quite dangerous, method of transferring fuel, munitions and stores from one ship to another.
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier is currently on a three-month deployment around the UK and northern Europe.
During the next few weeks, the vessel and her crew will work alongside allies to enhance collective security, deterrence and readiness.
She will undertake advanced training under the Royal Navy's Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) organisation, exercising across the full spectrum of modern naval warfare to ensure that the carrier is ready to respond to threats.
@HMSQNLZ carried out its first replenishment at sea (RAS) since 2024! @RFATidespring provided fuel and our bridge and seamanship teams gained experience as we contjnue on our journey to warfighting readiness. pic.twitter.com/jKEv0GTju0 — HMS Queen Elizabeth (@HMSQNLZ) September 13, 2026