Babcock rolls out Royal Navy’s first Type 31 frigate in preparation for float off

Babcock International unveiled the UK Royal Navy’s first Type 31 frigate, the future HMS Venturer, on 27 May 2025 as the ship emerged into the open at the company’s shipyard in Rosyth, Scotland.

The 5,700-tonne, 139 m-long ship was carefully manoeuvred out of the build hall at Rosyth using self-propelled modular transporters in preparation for its float off into the River Forth in the following weeks. After Venturer has completed float-off, the ship will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in dock before sea trials and entry into service around late 2026/early 2027.

Babcock is building five general-purpose Type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy, three of which are under construction. The type, otherwise known as the Inspiration class, is based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design will serve alongside the Royal Navy’s eight Type 26 frigates, which are primarily focused on anti-submarine warfare.

“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,” Sir Nick Hine, chief executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “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.”

UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard MP, added, “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.”