A deployed force may therefore need to repair and develop indigenous facilities. Unfortunately, these are not commonplace in ports worldwide. Military operations are likely to require roll-on, rolloff (Ro-Ro) facilities. More modern ports are designed around bulk container handling. Often older ports will have cranes designed to off-load cargo from inside the holds of ships. Port infrastructure is generally large, heavy and requires specialist design and manufacture in order to cope with the high loads and damaging environment.Ī key requirement during early planning for an operation will be to confirm that any intended Sea Port of Disembarkation (SPOD) has the requisite handling facilities. Nevertheless, additional facilities may be required at a port either for ship-to-shore transfer or to store materiel prior to transit. It is highly likely therefore that use will be made of existing ports to support an operation rather than build a new one. Harbours and port facilities can take years to develop. However, a seaport provides a significantly greater degree of flexibility and logistic capacity. Marine and maritime operations may be supported for a short time only, by over-the-beach facilities using specialist equipment. Section 2 is a description of categories of infrastructure Protecting the unhindered passage of sealift is an important duty for maritime forces.Īnother tier of documents, the Joint Tactics, Techniques and Procedures includes 4-05 Operational Infrastructure. In a benign environment, with maritime force protection teams embarked, the strategic Roll-on/Roll-off ships (RO/ROs) provide the major MOD contribution larger operations generally utilise commercial chartered shipping. The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary are the only force able to provide sealift in a threat environment. It also may be the only means available for gaining initial theatre entry if access basing and overflight permissions are not forthcoming from other states. Sealift permits land and amphibious forces to transit to theatre, poise offshore if required, and then enables joint power to be brought to bear ashore. ![]() Even when an operation is a landlocked state, the majority of lift required to deploy and sustain a joint force will be achieved from the sea. However, sealift is the only practicable means of deploying equipment and logistic support and then sustaining them at anything other than very small scale, due simply to the sheer volume of equipment involved. It can also be a more practicable method of moving personnel, even large numbers. Airpower can be used to achieve extremely rapid effect with light forces for short periods, and provide an air bridge for more substantial operations. British Maritime Doctrine as defined by JDP 0-10, for example, describes one of the attributes and roles of British Maritime Power as Lift Capacity įor the UK, all major operations need maritime support to deploy, sustain, withdraw, or re-deploy forces. Subordinate doctrinal documents describe a number of other subjects in which ship to shore logistics has relevance. It lists the ten principles of war Selection and Maintenance of the Aim, Maintenance of Morale Offensive Action, Security, Surprise, Concentration of Force, Economy of Effort, Flexibility, Cooperation and Sustainability. The MoD helpfully publishes all the main doctrinal publications.īritish Defence Doctrine JDP 0-01 Edition 4 is the main document. This is a look at existing and planned capabilities, with a few thoughts on the challenges and a handful of suggestions. In many ways, the future looks bright improvements to naval gunfire, new support helicopters and attack helicopters on the horizon, and of course, the carriers and F-35B capability, joined by development in unmanned systems, all point to a strong future.īut with the impending ‘out of service’ date of HMS Ocean, block out of service of the amphibious shipping in the medium term, a changing threat and political landscape, and the constant pressure on the budget, there are many difficult issues that remain to be resolved. ![]() The UK maintains a fairly broad array of amphibious combat capabilities with contributions from the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the British Army and a number of civilian providers.
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