The Royal Navy's ambitious Type 31 frigate program is now in full swing, with multiple hulls under construction at Rosyth. This article provides an in-depth look at the latest developments, offering a comprehensive overview of the project's progress and future prospects.
A Modernizing Yard
The Rosyth shipyard has undergone significant transformations to accommodate the Type 31 program. Heavy investments in covered build facilities, robotics, panel lines, and digital tools have been made, resulting in a modernizing yard that is now more efficient and predictable in its schedules. Plans are also underway for a second assembly building, potentially larger than the Venturer Hall, to provide additional covered space and enhance flexibility in mast integration and gantry crane operations.
Prototype, Pre-Production, and Reference Model
The first Type 31, HMS Venturer, has served as a prototype for construction processes and accumulated program knowledge. Ship 2, HMS Active, is a pre-production standard, while Ship 3, HMS Formidable, is emerging as the reference model for the class. Refinements from design feedback loops, manufacturing methods, and logistics planning are being fully embedded into an increasingly efficient build strategy.
Construction Process and Throughput
Each Type 31 frigate is constructed from nine major structural units, fabricated and outfitted separately before assembly in the Venturer Assembly Hall. The process begins with panel lines, where plates and stiffeners are erected into units, followed by consolidation into blocks in the Syncro Building. Blocks are then moved to the Hall for final assembly. The Goliath crane is used to rotate blocks, which are mostly manufactured upside down.
Internal fit-out is increasingly completed before large modules are lifted, such as the ship's masts, which are fully cabled internally before installation. This avoids complex and time-consuming work at height once erected. HMS Formidable will benefit from multiple process improvements, and major machinery spaces will be delivered with pipework and systems installed to a higher standard.
Painting and Integration
Babcock is using a robot system to directly apply paint to the hull of HMS Active, focusing on coating thickness rather than the number of coats. This reduces waste compared to manual spraying methods. The main painting is done under cover, but touch-up work is done in dry dock and during the fitting-out stage.
Combat system installation remains a complex element, with Thales personnel embedded at Rosyth for 18 months. Mission System and TACTICOS Combat System Factory Acceptance Tests were completed in June 2025 and are now undergoing land-based trials. Cable installation is the most significant part of the fitting-out work on Venturer.
Workforce and Training
The Type 31 program employs around 900 people at Rosyth, with approximately 200 working on panel lines. Round-the-clock shift working is utilized where necessary to meet delivery timetables and ensure efficiency. The workforce composition has evolved, moving away from heavy reliance on sub-contractors towards a more stable core of directly employed staff.
An innovative feature is the introduction of Production Support Operatives (PSOs), who undertake essential support tasks such as logistics, tool preparation, and material movement. This allows skilled tradespeople to focus on high-value work, improving output and delivering social value through retraining and long-term employment opportunities.
The apprentice pipeline has expanded significantly, with over 320 apprentices in training and around 100 new intakes expected this year, supported by graduate and graduate apprentice schemes. Babcock is building depth in its mid-level workforce, which should translate into improved productivity and readiness for potential export orders.
ARMOR Concept
Babcock is promoting its Autonomous Maritime Operations and Resilience (ARMOR) concept, which pairs a Type 31 frigate with up to three ROMULUS large uncrewed surface vessels (LUSV). The first ROMULUS is in production in the US but could be built in UK shipyards. The impact on the Type 31 is minimal, as the combat system and common data backbone are based on open architecture.
Service and Export Potential
The Royal Navy has some choice over the pace of bringing the Type 31 frigates into service. HMS Venturer is scheduled for operations by the end of the decade, but this timeline offers a considerable time between handover and full operational status. The program's success will depend on how boldly the RN adapts its acceptance and certification processes.
Export orders are critical for further investment in facilities and people, as well as offsetting Babcock's financial loss. The program is already generating long-term social and economic benefits and the regeneration of high-value shipbuilding capability, laying the foundation for future growth.
