Replenishment oiler
A replenishment oiler or replenishment tanker is a naval auxiliary ship with fuel tanks and dry cargo holds which can supply both fuel and dry stores during underway replenishment (UNREP) at sea. Many countries have used replenishment oilers.
The United States Navy's hull classification symbol for this type of ship was 'AOR' (Auxiliary Oil Replenishment). Replenishment oilers are slower and carry fewer dry stores than the US Navy's modern fast combat support ships, which carry the classification 'AOE'. In 2020 the US Navy began to develop a new type of ship, the 'AOL' or light replenishment oiler; construction of the first is planned for 2026.[1]
Armament[edit]
Because the replenishment oiler is not a combat unit, but rather a support vessel, such ships are often lightly armed, usually with self-defense systems (such as the Phalanx CIWS close-in weapons systems), small arms, machine guns and/or light automatic cannons. They may also carry man-portable air-defense systems for additional air defense capability.
operates a single Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler purchased from the United States, and the Araucano.
Chilean Navy
operates two Fuyu-class fast combat support ships, four Dayun-class general stores issue ships, nine Fuchi-class replenishment ships, and a single Fusu-class replenishment ship.
People's Liberation Army Navy
operates a single Lüneburg-class replenishment ship, purchased from Germany (being supplemented or replaced by two Fort Rosalie-class replenishment ships, purchased from the United Kingdom).
Egyptian Navy
operates six Elbe-class replenishment ships, two Rhön-class tankers, and three Berlin-class replenishment ships.
German Navy
operates a single Etna-class replenishment oiler and two Lüneburg-class replenishment ships, purchased from Germany.
Hellenic Navy
operates two Deepak-class fleet tankers, one Aditya-class auxiliary ship, and a single Komandarm Fedko-class oiler.
Indian Navy
operates a single Rover-class tanker purchased from the United Kingdom, two Tarakan-class tankers and more on order.
Indonesian Navy
operates a single Etna-class replenishment oiler and two Stromboli-class replenishment oilers.
Italian Navy
operates three Towada-class replenishment ships and two Mashū-class replenishment ships.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
operates three Boris Chilikin-class fleet oilers, one Dora-class tanker, two Uda-class tankers, one Iman-class tanker, four Altay-class tankers, three Dubna-class tankers, two Kaliningradneft-class tankers, and a single Project 23130 replenishment oiler.
Russian Navy
British Royal Fleet Auxiliary operates one Fort Victoria-class replenishment oiler, four Tide-class tankers and two Wave-class tankers (maintained in reserve).
United States Military Sealift Command operates two John Lewis-class replenishment oilers, fifteen Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers, fourteen Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships, and two Supply-class fast combat support ships.
