Babcock cuts steel on HMS Formidable
Above: Two Babcock employees hold the crests for each of the three Type 31 frigates - Active, Venturer and Formidable.
Courtesy Babcock
Coming only 20 months after the steel cut ceremony for the second ship, HMS Active, this highlights the rapid progress being made on the Type 31 programme and the important sovereign defence capability being delivered by Babcock at this world-class facility.
The first Type 31 Frigate, HMS Venturer is nearing structural completion, with the final unit now added to the vessel within the Rosyth assembly hall alongside HMS Active.
Babcock colleagues, including representatives from the latest apprentice and graduate intake, shared this important occasion with senior guests from the UK Government and Royal Navy, alongside Trades Unions representatives and guests from international industry and Armed Forces.
Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer, David Lockwood said: “Today, we are proud to mark yet another milestone in this important defence programme for the Royal Navy. These frigates will play a significant role in protecting the UK and supporting international partnered defence operations.
“This programme is a real demonstration of UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and is delivering positive economic impact within Scotland and in communities across the UK. It is a privilege for our teams across Babcock to be delivering these platforms for the nation.”
With the theme Formidable Engineering, the day was a celebration of engineering ingenuity, with guests experiencing the build programme first hand, while enjoying a STEM-focused event with local school children, supported by colleagues and partners from across the Type 31 team.
Underpinning its commitment to developing the skills required to support defence programmes now and, in the future, Babcock is creating 1,000 new roles at Rosyth over the next four years, including 400 apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives, skilled engineers, tradespeople and graduates. The majority of these new roles, including over 100 new apprentices and graduates who joined the company this year, will support the Type 31 programme over the lifetime of the project, benefitting the UK economy and local communities alike.
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. These frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our military.
“Today’s significant milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.”
Royal Navy’s Senior Responsible Owner for the Type 31 programme, Commodore Stephen Roberts, said: "This is a momentous occasion for all involved and we are proud to have marked this significant milestone in this way. When complete, this remarkable fleet of general-purpose frigates will deliver an impressive capability for Royal Navy and play a huge role in the continued security and prosperity of our nation."
Mark Beverstock, Head of Combat Ships Delivery Group, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) said: "I am delighted that work on the third ship in the Type 31 programme is underway. From maritime security patrols and disaster-relief support, to intelligence gathering and defence engagement, these ships will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet."
