First UK Royal Navy Type 31 frigate rolls out

The first Type 31 frigate on order for the UK Royal Navy, Venturer, is rolled out at Babcock's facilities in Rosyth on 27 May 2025. (Babcock)

The first of the UK Royal Navy's (RN's) new Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, the future HMS Venturer (F 12), was officially rolled out of the build hall at Babcock's shipyard in Rosyth, Scotland, on 27 May.

The milestone, announced by Babcock, marks Venturer's transition from the construction phase to final preparations for entry into the water, which is expected in the coming weeks.

During the roll-out, the 5,700 tonne and 139 m-long ship was manoeuvred outside of the Rosyth build hall using self-propelled modular transporters onto the neighbouring hardstand in preparation for its float-off into the River Forth. After Venturer completes float-off, it will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in number 3 dry dock before undergoing sea trials and entering operational service.

Babcock, leading the ‘Team 31' consortium, is delivering five Type 31 Inspiration-class general-purpose frigates for the RN under a GBP1.25 billion (USD1.59 billion) contract awarded in November 2019. The class is based on the Arrowhead 140 design – an evolution of the Royal Danish Navy's Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, which were designed by Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) and adapted for the UK's requirements by Babcock and BMT.

The ships are intended to replace five general-purpose Type 23 frigates and will be used for forward-deployed maritime security, presence, and defence engagement operations.

Venturer