Image Credits: Royal Navy Navantia UK has laid the keel of RFA Resurgent at its Appledore shipyard in North Devon, marking the formal start of assembly of the first of three new Fleet Solid Support vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The milestone was marked by the lowering of the first block, a section of RFA Resurgent’s bow, onto the Seahorse barge in Appledore’s dry dock. The barge, built at Navantia UK’s Methil yard in Fife, will carry completed blocks from Appledore to Belfast. In keeping with shipbuilding tradition, a commemorative coin was placed beneath the section for good fortune. The operation was initiated by apprentices from Navantia UK Appledore and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, reflecting the central role that skills and the next generation of shipbuilders and seafarers will play in delivering the programme. The ceremony took place on Merchant Navy Day, which celebrates the UK’s civilian seafarers, including the men and women of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The keel laying represents the latest major milestone for Fleet Solid Support, following the start of test block construction at Appledore in August 2025, completion of the Critical Design Review in October 2025 and the cutting of first steel at Appledore in December 2025. Since the programme began in 2023, it has remained on schedule and on budget while progressing through a series of major design and construction milestones. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are the backbone of our Royal Navy and these new ships will keep our navy ready to operate at range for longer. “Seeing the steel cut for RFA Resurgent last year was a proud moment, and today’s keel laying shows real momentum behind this vital programme. “This investment is helping bolster UK shipbuilding, backing thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships in Appledore, Belfast and beyond.” Image Credits: Royal Navy Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, said: “Today is an important m