The RFA Petronel (A179) was a Coastal Stores Carrier of the [[Royal Fleet Auxiliary]] (RFA), the civilian-manned logistics and support arm of the British [[Royal Navy]].
- Type: Coastal Stores Carrier
- Operator: [[Royal Fleet Auxiliary]]
- Pennant Number: A179
- Ordered: 1966
- Laid Down: 1967
- Launched: 1968
- Commissioned: 1969
- Decommissioned: 1980
- Fate: Sold to the [[Hellenic Navy]] (Greek Navy) in 1980 and renamed [[HS Syros (L 173)]].
History and Role: RFA Petronel was one of several small auxiliary vessels designed to provide essential logistical support to Royal Navy ships and establishments, primarily in coastal waters and naval bases. Her role involved transporting supplies, equipment, and personnel between various locations, ensuring the smooth functioning of naval operations without requiring larger, deep-ocean logistics ships.
Following her decommissioning from the RFA in 1980, Petronel was sold to Greece. Renamed HS Syros (L 173), she continued to serve in a similar support capacity for the Hellenic Navy, demonstrating the robust design and utility of this class of auxiliary vessel.