HMS Venturer: first Type 31 frigate for Royal Navy unveiled by Babcock

HMS Venturer was manoeuvred out of the Rosyth build hall using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) as Babcock’s team prepares the ship for float off into the River Forth in the coming weeks.

The vessel, a 5,700 tonne, 139-metre-long ship, is the first of five Type 31 frigates being built for the Royal Navy as part of a £10bn investment to replace the existing Type 23 flotilla. The programme will see all five Type 31 frigates completed within ten years from the point of initial contract award.

In a statement, Sir Nick Hine, CEO 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.

“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.”