Under Way Replenishment Ships of the Future

This paper explores possible Underway Replenishment (UNREP) ship designs of the future. Hull design, manning, speed, handling systems, cargo stowage capabilities, armament, main propulsion, containerization, and support systems (hotel services, communications and command and control) are considered. A notional ship is proposed which will accommodate itself to the needs of the last quarter of this century and which will have a capability that will lie between our present Replenishment Oiler (AOR) and Combat Support Ship (AOE) plus the capability of stow containers.