The ramped craft logistic (RCL) is a type of landing craft operated by 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC of the Royal Logistic Corps of the British Army. From the early 1980s onwards it was deployed to replace the RPL (ramped powered lighter). One of their first roles was to provide logistical support during the setting up of the garrison in the Falkland Islands immediately after the Falklands War - this role was conducted by the two first of class, Arromanches and Antwerp, later stationed at the military port at Marchwood, near Southampton, RCLs were originally procured for UK, Cyprus and Hong Kong.Craftsmen of the Army: The Story of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Volumes 1969-1992 By J M Kneen, D J Sutton. Page 92 The two based at the British base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, Andalsnes and Akyab were operated as 417 Troop of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC. They were sold in 2014
Ferguson Transport and Shipping bought four members of the class and fitted them with Epsilon hydraulic cranes for commercial work, principally around the west coast of Scotland.
Fleet list There were 9 ramped craft logistic brought into service:
Name Pennant number Builder Ordered Launched In service Fate ArromanchesL105 James & Stone, Brightlingsea18 March 19806 January 198131 July 1981Soldhttps://www.mod-sales.com/pdf/62520.pdf M.O.D Sales Company Sales Notice: 62520: Ramped Craft Logistic Ex RLCV SOLD Renamed Jenna J in 2020. In commercial service for Ferguson Transport & Shipping Ltd.Antwerp L106Brooke Marine, Lowestoft18 March 19809 March 198114 August 1981For sale November 1994AndalsnesL107James & Stone, Brightlingsea31 March 198316 March 198422 May 1984For sale 2014Abbeville L108James & Stone, Brightlingsea31 March 198328 August 19849 November 1984Discarded 1994Akyab L109James & Stone, Brightlingsea31 March 198320 November 198421 December 1984Stricken 2010Aachen L110James & Stone, BrightlingseaMarch 198525 June 198626 January 1987Arezzo L111James & Stone, BrightlingseaMarch 198518 November 19862 March 1987Bought by Ferguson Transport & Shipping. Now operating as fish farm feed vessel under the name Carly - registered in StornowayAgheilaL112James & Stone, BrightlingseaMarch 198527 April 198712 June 1987For sale November 1994Audemer L113James & Stone, BrightlingseaMarch 198524 June 198721 August 1987Sold 2013.Sale of a ramped landing craft (D/DSA/MST2/2013/03570) Now in commercial service as Leslie Anne with Ferguson Transport & Shipping.Ferguson Transport: Leslie Anne
References
Bibliography
"Defence Standard 00-3/Issue 3- Design Guidance For The Transportability Of Equipment", 27 May 1985, UK Ministry of Defence British Army website RCL page Gallery of army landing craft: http://www.rfanostalgia.org/gallery3/index.php/RFA-AMPHIBIOUS/Army/Army-Landing-Craft