Inocea acquires first of two UK tankers

Former RFA Wave-class large fleet tanker Wave Ruler, in an image released by Inocea on 7 March 2026, as it formally acquired the vessel. (Inocea)

UK maritime company Inocea announced on 7 March 2026 the transfer of title of the former UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Wave-class large fleet tanker Wave Ruler from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Inocea said it wanted to return “this proven NATO replenishment asset to active service in support of allied navies”, without elaborating on which navies it might serve or under what contractual arrangements.

Inocea announced in February 2026 press release that it had signed an agreement to acquire both former RFA Wave-class large fleet tankers Wave Ruler and Wave Knight . Once back to full operational readiness they would be “operated by Inocea companies to support allied navies”, Inocea said, adding that it anticipated both ships continuing to provide frontline service for at least 20 years.

Inocea said in an online post on 7 March that Wave Ruler would “enter an Inocea‑led reactivation programme to restore full operational readiness under class and flag‑state requirements, enabling her rapid return to frontline service.”

Designed for replenishment-at-sea (RAS) and commissioned in April 2003, the two vessels were decommissioned in March 2025. After decommissioning the two vessels were maintained in extended readiness.

Alex Vicefield, co-owner, Inocea Group said that both ships “have a long life ahead of them supporting critical naval missions worldwide.” James Davies, co-owner, Inocea Group added that “we have worked with the British government, industry partners and allied end-users to ensure these ships are quickly reactivated and entered into service.”