HMS Active Now in Build
Babcock International cut steel on the second of five Inspiration-class Type 41 frigates on order for the Royal Navy on 24 January.
Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk, KC, who initiated the steel-cutting operation marking the official start of the build programme at Rosyth for HMS Active, commented “We should be very proud of achieving another milestone in the Type 31 programme, which will deliver key warships for the Royal Navy, and continue to support British industry through national shipbuilding […] This work delivers growth across the country, supports thousands of jobs, and showcases the strength of the Union”. The ceremony comes just 16 months after steel was cut on the first vessel in the class, HMS Venturer.
A key component of the UK’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Type 31 programme will support a direct UK workforce of around 1,250 people, including 150 apprenticeships, and a further 1,250 people in the supply chain at the height of the programme. Additionally, Babcock has created 250 new Production Support Operative (PSO) roles to support the programme and beyond: once fully trained they will support activities across the Rosyth business. “The first cut of steel for HMS Active is a momentous occasion for this critical UK defence programme as we put another ship into production. The Type 31 programme is a game-changer in the delivery of naval platforms, and we are already witnessing the tangible benefits that the programme will deliver; not just the emergence of a fleet of cutting-edge frigates for the Royal Navy, but also increased employment, new technologies and infrastructure investment,” stated Babcock CEO, David Lockwood.
The Type 31 programme is on track to deliver all five Inspiration-class ships by 2028. Progress continues at pace, with the first ship, HMS Venturer, having both engine sets installed and work progressing towards hull consolidation. Babcock’s investment in advanced manufacturing and technology at Rosyth makes it possible to build two ships side by side in the new Assembly Hall.
Following contract awards in Poland and Indonesia respectively, where work continues on both programmes, international interest remains strong in Babcock’s inherently flexible Arrowhead 140 platform, upon which the Type 31 frigates are based. In Poland, Babcock is working closely with PGZ by transferring knowledge that will support the Miecznik frigate programme. This follows the class design contract awarded to Babcock in 2022 and builds on the strategic partnership in the naval sector between the Polish and British governments.
