Surf-class tanker

RFA Surf Patrol, underway in 1956
Class overview
NameSurf class
BuildersBartram & Sons
OperatorsRFA Ensign Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Preceded bySprite class
Succeeded byLeaf class
In commission1951–1961
Completed3
Retired3
General characteristics Surf Patrol and Surf Pioneer
TypeReplenishment oiler
Displacement15,800 long tons (16,054 t)
Length496 ft (151 m)
Beam60 ft 6 in (18.44 m)
Draught27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
PropulsionDroxford 4-cylinder diesel engines
Speed13.75 knots (15.82 mph; 25.47 km/h)
General characteristics Surf Pilot
Displacement10,519 long tons (10,688 t)
Length153.8 ft (46.9 m) p/p
Beam20.1 ft (6.1 m)

The Surf class were a class of replenishment oilers taken up for service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), supporting the Royal Navy during the Korean War. Two were commercial tankers under construction in British yards as the war began. A third ship was captured from in the Far East and brought into the RFA as Surf Pilot. She was never utilised however, and was laid up until being scrapped in 1960. The remaining two tankers were laid up at about this time, and were either sold or scrapped by 1970.