HMS Active completes float off feat

Image courtesy DE&S

Engineers from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and the Royal Navy supported the float-off of the Inspiration Class frigate, which is a modern, efficient and low-risk method for a vessel of this size to transition to the next phase of her build programme.

Last month, the second in class vessel was moved from Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard to a deep-water location where a barge was submerged beneath her and she entered the water for the first time. 

The Malin Augustea barge has been used for frigate float-off operations for both HMS Active and the first ship in the Type 31 class, HMS Venturer. Use of the barge is also operated in the same capacity for the Type 26 programme.

HMS Active will now undergo further outfit work before test and commissioning takes place.

Steve Ranyard, DE&S Type 31 Team Leader, said: “The float-off of HMS Active is another landmark moment for the Type 31 programme and a proud day for everyone involved in her delivery. This milestone reflects the pace and professionalism of the entire programme team at Rosyth and across the UK supply chain, as we continue to make real, tangible progress towards delivering a capable and versatile new frigate for the Royal Navy.”

This latest milestone follows the dual celebration at Rosyth at the end of February, when HMS Active rolled out of the purpose-built Venturer Building Assembly Hall in a spectacular evening ceremony. On the same day, steel was cut on HMS Bulldog, the fourth vessel in the class.

Commodore Stephen Roberts, T31 Programme Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), Royal Navy, said: “HMS Active will serve as a formidable defender of our national security and a powerful asset for NATO in an increasingly dangerous world. For the Royal Navy the float off provides a visual opportunity to highlight the pride and importance of having world class ships to protect the nation from those who would wish to do us harm.”

The Type 31 programme is a significant driver of economic growth across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom, sustaining 2,500 highly skilled jobs, with 1,250 directly employed at Babcock in Rosyth and a further 1,250 across the UK supply chain. The programme delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, supporting economic growth through defence investment while strengthening national security.

The five Inspiration Class frigates will form a key part of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, undertaking missions including interception, intelligence gathering, defence engagement and humanitarian support. When complete, all five ships are scheduled to be in service by the early 2030s.