What Is RFA Proteus?
RFA Proteus (pennant K60) is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s first ship. RFA Proteus is dedicated to multi-role ocean surveillance. RFA Proteus is also dedicated to specializing in monitoring and protecting critical seabed infrastructure. It specializes in structures such as undersea cables and pipelines. RFA Proteus was operated jointly by approximately 26 RFA personnel and around 60 Royal Navy specialists. RFA Proteus serves as a launch platform for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater systems.
RFA Proteus was originally built in Norway in 2019 as the offshore supply vessel. RFA Proteus was bought by the UK Ministry of Defense. It was bought in late 2022 or early 2023 for around £70 million. RFA Proteus was converted for naval operations at Cammell Laird shipyard. RFA Proteus formally entered service following a naming ceremony in London on 10 October 2023.
Capabilities & Design Highlights of RFA Proteus
RFA Proteus is equipped with a moon pool. RFA Proteus can safely deploy and recover submersibles even in rough seas. RFA Proteus also features a heavy-duty crane (SWL up to 120 tonnes) and a vast working deck (1,000 m² or more) for handling containers, UUVs, and other equipment. The ship serves as a mothership to an array of underwater systems: from work-class ROVs like the Perry XLX-C 11 to AUVs such as Teledyne Gavia, REMUS 100, and IVER3, plus accompanying mine and hydrography teams for comprehensive seabed operations.
RFA Proteus is powered by diesel-electric propulsion with azimuth and bow thrusters. RFA Proteus holds position with precision via a redundant dynamic positioning system—vital for tasks near fragile underwater assets. RFA Proteus has a top speed of about 14 knots and normal cruising speed near 11 knots. Aboard, the ship offers comfortable quarters for up to 82 (24 RFA + ~60 RN specialists), with lounges, message areas, workshops for onboard ROV maintenance, and data/data-analysis suites.
Strategic & Operational Impact of RFA Proteus
With growing threats particularly from espionage or sabotage via undersea means, the UK sees RFA Proteus as a critical player in safeguarding key infrastructure. The acquisition of RFA Proteus was fast-tracked under the MROS initiative in response to emerging grey-zone challenges. Beyond active surveillance, RFA Proteus is used to develop tactical seabed warfare capabilities, testing tools and team workflows with various naval units.
RFA Proteus represents a leap forward in maritime security for the UK. RFA Proteus is equipped to defend undersea infrastructure through advanced maritime robotics, dynamic positioning, and robust operational capability. RFA Proteus is a vessel designed for the unfolding era of seabed surveillance and defense.
Conclusion
RFA Proteus (pennant K60) is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s first ship. RFA Proteus is dedicated to multi-role ocean surveillance. RFA Proteus is also dedicated to specializing in monitoring and protecting critical seabed infrastructure. It specializes in structures such as undersea cables and pipelines. RFA Proteus was operated jointly by approximately 26 RFA personnel and around 60 Royal Navy specialists. RFA Proteus serves as a launch platform for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater systems.
RFA Proteus is equipped with a moon pool. RFA Proteus can safely deploy and recover submersibles even in rough seas. RFA Proteus also features a heavy-duty crane (SWL up to 120 tonnes) and a vast working deck (1,000 m² or more) for handling containers, UUVs, and other equipment. The ship serves as a mothership to an array of underwater systems: from work-class ROVs like the Perry XLX-C 11 to AUVs such as Teledyne Gavia, REMUS 100, and IVER3, plus accompanying mine and hydrography teams for comprehensive seabed operations.
RFA Proteus is powered by diesel-electric propulsion with azimuth and bow thrusters. RFA Proteus holds position with precision via a redundant dynamic positioning system—vital for tasks near fragile underwater assets. RFA Proteus has a top speed of about 14 knots and normal cruising speed near 11 knots. Aboard, the ship offers comfortable quarters for up to 82 (24 RFA + ~60 RN specialists), with lounges, message areas, workshops for onboard ROV maintenance, and data/data-analysis suites.
With growing threats particularly from espionage or sabotage via undersea means, the UK sees RFA Proteus as a critical player in safeguarding key infrastructure. The acquisition of RFA Proteus was fast-tracked under the MROS initiative in response to emerging grey-zone challenges. Beyond active surveillance, RFA Proteus is used to develop tactical seabed warfare capabilities, testing tools and team workflows with various naval units. RFA Proteus represents a leap forward in maritime security for the UK. RFA Proteus is equipped to defend undersea infrastructure through advanced maritime robotics, dynamic positioning, and robust operational capability. RFA Proteus is a vessel designed for the unfolding era of seabed surveillance and defense.
About the Author
