NEW state-of-the-art naval fleet ship RFA Tidesurge received a warm welcome at its home port of Greenock.

Local sea cadets, Provost Martin Brennan and councillors were among special guests to join members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) at a dedication service at Ocean Terminal.

The 39,000 tonne fleet replenishment tanker will replace RFA Gold Rover, which was previously affiliated with Greenock, and supported the Royal Navy, Nato and coalition allies for 40 years.

Greenock and District Sea Cadet Corps has now been renamed TS Tidesurge in recognition of the new vessel.

Captain Miles Lewis said: "I sailed on the old ship numerous times and we have kept the affiliation with the sea cadet unit.

"We are really keen to keep them on board.

"We are replacing older ships in the fleet which are 40 years old with modern technology in line with modern legislation.

"We will get the sea cadets on board, sailing on it, using rigid boats and lifeboats as part of my ship's company."

Tidesurge is one of four tide-class double-hulled vessels entering service with the RFA and will provide fuel and water for Royal Navy Ships warships deployed around the world.

The ship is bigger than its predecessors, with more advanced capability, and is specifically designed to provide water and fuel to the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.

Tidesurge can accommodate Chinook and other helicopters on its flight deck.

Captain Lewis said: "It's an immense achievement and it is a great opportunity to showcase the RFA and to show what we can do."

In recognition of the fact that Greenock will be the new ship's home port, it has adopted Inverclyde Tartan as part of officers' uniforms.

Captain Lewis said: "We are fully integrated into the Clyde's infrastructure and it is important that for this ship we have a home port of Greenock, we can come here and be welcomed and enjoy the sites of it.

"We hope to come up here many more times."