Tidespring, the first of four MARS (Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability) tankers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, currently fitting out at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering yard at Okpo in South Korea has completed an exhaustive two week long set of trials.

The revolutionary tanker was originally expected in Falmouth for military customisation in June but A&P managing director Gerald Pitts, who has recently returned from a trip to South Korea to view the ship said: “ I have confirmation that Tidespring will arrive in Falmouth anytime between mid August and mid September.”

He was attending the Royal Navy Presentation Team function at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall which was attended by top naval officers, dignitaries and businessmen.

Commodore Jamie Miller, Naval Regional Commander ?Wales and Western England said: “ Falmouth is a great asset for the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. There is a huge amount of talent in the A&P shipyard and the standard of workmanship is high.”

The government announced last year that A&P had won a major £15m contract to install high-end military capabilities in the four new MARS tankers so that they are ready for operations by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The vital customisation work being carried out on the Tide-class tankers will enhance these vessels with state of the art equipment, including communications systems, ballistic protection and upgrading to allow a quick fit of self-defensive weapons.

The four Tide-class tankers, Tidespring, Tiderace, Tidesurge and Tideforce, will enter service with the Royal Navy to boost its capabilities by delivering fuel, water, spare parts and other supplies.