UK Defence Journal

By George Allison

1 November 2024

Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/government-states-rfa-vessels-not-classed-as-warships/

In a recent parliamentary exchange, Lord Coaker, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, clarified that Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships, while owned and operated by the Ministry of Defence, are not considered part of the UK’s Armed Forces.

Responding to Lord West of Spithead’s inquiry, Lord Coaker stated, “Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships are owned and managed by the Ministry of Defence for the purposes of the Naval Service but are not considered part of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom.”

Instead, RFA vessels are classified as ‘Government Ships’ under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. Although integral to naval support, their designation reflects a unique role within UK maritime operations distinct from commissioned warships in the Armed Forces.

This classification debate comes after the previous government acknowledged that the new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships would be categorised as warships following persistent calls from unions and industry stakeholders. 

In 2020, we reported that the previous government finally recognised FSS ships as warships, a decision carrying significant implications for British shipbuilding.

This is important because according to government policy, ‘warships’ must be built inside the United Kingdom.

Initially, the government’s stance allowed for international bidding on the £1.5 billion contract to build three FSS ships, despite opposition calling for them to be built exclusively in UK shipyards. 

Under then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace’s direction, the FSS ships were reclassified as warships, subjecting them to national security requirements which mandate that warships be primarily constructed domestically.

This decision followed extensive debate regarding the definition of warships. According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, a warship is defined as a state vessel crewed by commissioned officers under military command. However, the National Shipbuilding Strategy had previously limited the term “warship” to destroyers, frigates, and carriers.

Former Defence Procurement Minister Stuart Andrew had stated that the FSS ships did not qualify under this designation due to the UK’s need to retain sovereign capabilities solely for the construction of complex combat vessels. In response, union representatives argued that the support roles and tactical functions of FSS vessels aligned them with wartime operations and warranted their classification as warships.

Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer, noted at the time, “It looks like the Government has finally acknowledged what GMB has always said – these are warships. There is no reason to now hide behind any treaty – they must be built in the UK.”