Strategic Lift Roll-On / Roll Off
Sea Crusader was chartered by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) whilst under construction in Japan and entered service upon completion in 1996. Her role is to serve as a transport in the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF) and provide the Navy with the much needed sea lift capability that it has lacked for many years. Her charter expired in October 1998 but was extended until April 1999 to cover for the delayed arrival of her replacement.
She has over 2,300 lane metres available for tanks, armoured transports and other vehicles and has been used for freighting and transport duties between her home port of Marchwood and with British Troops at Split, Thessalonika and elsewhere in the Balkans, especially during Operation Allied Force.
Sea Crusader is 161 metres long, 25 metres in breadth with a draught of 6.5 metres. She displaces 18,031 tonnes and can travel at 18 knots. She has a complement of just 17 personnel.
Ship Details:
| Ship | Pennant Number | Builder | Completed |
| Sea Crusader | A96 | Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan | 1996 |
Above: RFA Sea Crusader at Marchwood military port, Southampton. Along with Sea Centurion, she is an integral part of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF). Thanks to Tommy Sands of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary- Unofficallly! website for allowing me to use this picture.
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© Written and researched by Jeremy Olver. Last updated 3rd September 2000. Disclaimer.