noun
supply vessel; replenishment ship
A naval auxiliary ship that provides fuel, ammunition, provisions, and other supplies to warships at sea. The term 'replenishment oiler' specifically refers to a vessel primarily carrying fuel.
海上自衛隊の補給艦は、艦隊に燃料や物資を補給する。
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's supply vessel provides fuel and supplies to the fleet.
この補給艦は一度に複
This replenishment ship can resupply multiple vessels at sea simultaneously.
艦船 is a broader term for 'warships and vessels', whereas 補給艦 is a specific type of auxiliary naval ship.
Compound of 補給 (supply, replenishment) + 艦 (warship). The term follows standard Sino-Japanese word formation.