RFA Black Ranger (A163)

RFA Black Ranger (A163) was a British diesel-powered fleet support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, built by Harland & Wolff at their yard in Govan. On 27 February 1941, shortly after her commissioning, she was involved in a collision with the French destroyer Mistral. Mistral sustained minor damage and Black Ranger spent a short period under repair on the Clyde.

History
Name:	Black Ranger
Ordered:	28 August 1939
Builder:	Harland and Wolff, Govan[1]
Yard number:	1046[1]
Laid down:	12 October 1939
Launched:	22 August 1940
Completed:	27 January 1941[1]
Commissioned:	27 January 1941
Decommissioned:	April 1973
Struck:	1975
Fate:	Sold commercially in July 1973 and renamed Petrola XIV; Arrived Piraeus for demolition, 24 January 1979
General characteristics
Class and type:	Ranger-class fleet support tanker
Displacement:	6,700 long tons (6,808 t) full load
Length:	365 ft 10 in (111.51 m)
Beam:	47 ft (14 m)
Draught:	20 ft 2 in (6.15 m)
Propulsion:	1 × 6-cylinder B&W diesel 3,500 shp (2,600 kW) 1 shaft
Speed:	13 knots (15 mph; 24 km/h)
Range:	6,000 nmi (11,000 km) at 13 kn (15 mph; 24 km/h)
Complement:	40

Black Ranger later served with the Arctic Convoys, and was involved in a collision with the submarine HMS Thule in November 1960. Her role was to refuel RAF flying boats, and carried 2,600 tons of fuel oil, 550 tons of diesel, and 90 tons of petroleum. She was retired from service in 1973 and put up for sale. Bought by Greek owners, she was renamed Petrola XIV in 1973, and then Petrola 14 in 1976.