Babcock has officially unveiled the UK Royal Navy’s inaugural Type 31 frigate at its Rosyth facility in Scotland. This significant occasion marks the transition of the HMS Venturer (F12) from a three-year construction phase to the final outfitting stage ahead of its military induction.
The ceremonial transfer of the warship involved the use of specially engineered transport cradles to position the hull for its much-anticipated first entry into the water this summer on the River Forth. Once this float-off is successfully completed, the vessel is slated to return to Rosyth for essential dock-based integrations and preparations for sea trials.
UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard highlighted the importance of the HMS Venturer, emphasizing its role at the core of the Royal Navy fleet in deterring aggression while supporting the broader Armed Forces. He noted that this milestone reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering the economy and sustaining thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.
The Type 31 frigates, known as the Inspiration-class fleet, are derived from Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 model and are designed to be adaptable according to user-specific requirements. Their modular architecture enables customers to update the ships throughout their operational lifecycle, significantly diminishing the need for extensive overhauls.
The UK government has outlined plans to construct five frigates under this program, which will replace the Royal Navy’s long-serving Type 23 systems that have been operational since the 1980s.
In terms of specifications, each frigate in the Inspiration-class will measure 139 meters (456 feet) in length and 20 meters (66 feet) in beam. They are designed to accommodate over 180 crew members, alongside a maritime helicopter comparable in size to the Merlin or Wildcat rotorcraft, rigid-hull inflatable boats, and unmanned aerial systems.
Armament for the ship includes a 57-millimeter naval gun, 40-millimeter support guns, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, as well as soft-kill countermeasures. The frigate is powered by four diesel engines and four generators, enabling it to achieve a top speed of over 28 knots (52 kilometers/31 miles per hour) and a range of 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 kilometers/8,631 miles).
With the unveiling of the HMS Venturer, the Royal Navy is poised to enhance its capabilities significantly, as it prepares to usher in a new era of naval defense.
