Royal Fleet Auxiliary crews accept new pay deal

The Ministry of Defence has announced that Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel—who support Royal Navy operations worldwide—will receive an above-inflation pay rise and improved conditions, following acceptance of a new pay offer by seafarers and maritime trade unions.

Key Terms of the Agreement

• 4.5% pay rise, backdated to 1 April 2025
• Further 3.6% pay rise from 1 April 2026
• Changes to leave arrangements, allowing RFA personnel to earn more time off for periods spent at sea
• A one-off leave buy-back arrangement
• A £250 one-off payment

Both the RMT and Nautilus unions confirmed that RFA seafarers had accepted the offer. The unions stated they would continue working with the RFA on further modernisation, including exploring ways to increase leave entitlements and developing pay arrangements that better reflect the unique nature of RFA service.

Ministerial Visit

The Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, marked the deal during a visit to Portland Port on 28 July. He met crews aboard RFA Tidespring and RFA Mounts Bay, thanked personnel for their service, discussed workforce challenges, and heard how the service is preparing for the future—including crewing the Fleet Solid Support Ships.

Speaking from Portland, Bailey said:

“The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a vital part of the Royal Navy and contributes directly to the UK’s national security through their crucial work across the world.

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“This agreement recognises the unique contribution that RFA members make to the Royal Navy and provides a strong foundation for the future as the organisation prepares to crew the next generation of support ships.

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“We thank the Maritime Trade Unions for their support in reaching a resolution.”

Role of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

The RFA is a civilian-crewed fleet owned by the Ministry of Defence that provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy. Its personnel deliver fuel, supplies, ammunition and other essential support to UK and allied vessels around the world, enabling Royal Navy ships to remain deployed and conduct operations globally.

Vessels Visited

• RFA Tidespring – A Tide-class tanker that supports Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group. It recently returned from a deployment to the High North, having sailed with HMS Prince of Wales to the Indo-Pacific last year.
• RFA Mounts Bay – Supports amphibious operations and exercises, ensuring embarked Royal Marines and their supplies can be delivered ashore wherever needed. It is preparing for operations later this year.

Wider Context

According to the Ministry of Defence, the agreement forms part of a wider programme to improve recruitment, retention and workforce conditions across Defence. The department said the deal is expected to support recruitment and retention across the RFA, helping ensure it is well placed to meet future operational demands, including crewing the Fleet Solid Support Ships that will support the Carrier Strike Group and global operations.