A member of the Bay Class Landing Ships/Dock Ships, RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009) was launched in April 2005 by BAE Systems, Govan, Glasgow and in service December 2006. The class replaced Sir Geraint, Sir Tristram and Sir Percival of the 30-year-old Sir Bedivere class Landing Ships Logistic (LSL) and Sir Galahad, commissioned in 1987, decommissioned in 2006.
The Bay's provide more than twice the lift capacity of the Sir Bedivere class and the vehicle deck can accommodate 24 Challenger 2 main battle tanks or more than 150 light jeeps.