Forth Green Freeport partner, Babcock, has marked a major milestone in UK sovereign defence capability as the first of class, Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer was unveiled at their Rosyth site. The Royal Navy’s latest advanced warship emerged from the state-of-the-art build hall, signifying the transition from the construction phase into final preparations for entry into water.
The 5,700 tonne, 139 metre long ship was carefully manoeuvred out of the Rosyth build hall using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) as an expert team prepares the ship for float off into the River Forth in the coming weeks.
This national shipbuilding programme is making rapid progress and is now well into its multi-ship build phase with three ships in production. The programme will see all five Type 31 frigates completed within 10 years from the point of initial contract award.
Based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, the Type 31 Inspiration Class will form a core part of the Royal Navy’s fleet with the baseline design already exported to Indonesia and Poland, bolstering the ability for allied nations to work together in support of global security.
Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “For the first time, we’re seeing HMS Venturer, the first of her class emerge from the build hall – a powerful symbol of UK naval ambition and sovereign capability. It marks another major milestone in a standout week for British shipbuilding, at a time when global uncertainty demands even greater defence capability.
“Right here in Scotland, we are building five complex warships in a single yard, in just a decade, true world-class performance. This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in Babcock and the wider programme partners. Not only does it reflect the hard work, dedication and exceptional skills of our people, but this programme and the other work that we do here in Rosyth contribute significantly to the prosperity of the local and national economy.”
Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: “This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. HMS Venturer will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our Armed Forces. She also represents the best of Britain’s world-class shipbuilding heritage.
“Today’s significant milestone shows this government’s commitment to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.”
Steve Ranyard, Type 31 Team Leader at DE&S, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer reach this pivotal milestone is a cause for celebration for all those working on the programme to make this day a reality.
“The roll-out of HMS Venturer paves the way for the success of the entire fleet of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates. Once complete, they will be at the forefront of deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.”
Cdre Steve Roberts, Type 31 Senior Responsible Owner, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer, the first of the Type 31 Inspiration Class, unveiled is a proud moment not just for the Royal Navy and her crew, but all the organisations in Defence that have contributed to this key milestone. This is the first of many exciting stages for the Type 31 programme with now three of the five ships progressing in build. I look forward with anticipation to the moment when we will see HMS Venturer enter the water in the very near future.”
Cdr Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer of HMS Venturer, said: “The Ship’s Company have seen HMS Venturer grow from the keel up inside the build hall. This will be the first time Babcock and the Royal Navy can unveil this Next Generation Frigate to the public. This moment is taking the ship another step closer to where it is needed and contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.”
After the ship has completed float-off, she will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in dock before her sea trials and entering operational service.