Royal Navy auxiliary ship RFA Cardigan Bay in Dubai- in pictures
Britain's Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan supply vessel is in Port Rashid in Dubai. Cap Simon Keir Booth, Commanding Officer, on board. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
The amphibious vehicle loading bay of the vessel, which is on a four-day deployment in Dubai.
The ship's galley with chef Richard Earwicker.
The ship is in Dubai as part of the long-standing Operation Kipion to maintain regional maritime safety, protect vital shipping lanes and preserve the smooth flow of global trade in oil.
The value of giant ships like the 176-metre-long Cardigan Bay has never been more apparent. When the Suez Canal became blocked for only six days due to the grounding of the Ever Green shipping tanker in March 2021, the knock-on effect to global markets was huge.
One of two 30-tonne cranes used to lift cargo and ships on to the vessel.
The ship has been described as the Swiss Army knife of the seas and is capable of supporting UK Royal Navy mine-sweeping operations in the Gulf.
Commander Adrian Visram, who heads the UK’s mine countermeasures force aboard the RFA Cardigan Supply vessel in Port Rashid.
The Royal Navy has four mine-sweeping vessels operating in the region. But without the support of the Cardigan Bay and its 126 crew, supplying food, ammunitions and logistical cover, it would be considerably more challenging for Commander Adrian Visram, who heads the UK’s mine countermeasures force.
