HMS Venturer Makes Striking Debut on the Forth - First Type 31 Frigate Floated Out as Programme Milestone Reached

The 139-metre warship is the first of five Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, a new generation of modular, general-purpose vessels designed to deliver global maritime security, disaster relief, and support operations well into the 21st century. Built by Babcock International Group at Rosyth Dockyard, Venturer represents a key component of the UK’s sovereign shipbuilding capability.

After emerging from the assembly hall that bears her name, HMS Venturer was transferred by heavy-lift transporter onto a semi-submersible barge in late May. Once weather and tidal conditions were ideal, the vessel was carefully floated off near Leith – a complex operation conducted by Babcock engineers and supported by Royal Navy personnel.

With tugs in position, the frigate began her symbolic maiden voyage, making the 11-mile journey back upriver beneath the three iconic Forth crossings to Rosyth, accompanied by members of her crew and industrial staff. Commander Chris Cozens, Venturer’s Senior Naval Officer, oversaw the evolution as one of his final duties in post.

- Getting Venturer’s feet wet is not just a showpiece – it marks the completion of the structural phase and sets the stage for full fit-out and commissioning, said Cdr Cozens. - There’s a shared commitment across Babcock, MOD, and the Royal Navy to make the Type 31 the best possible asset for the fleet.

Back at Rosyth, the ship was moved into the inner basin to allow outfitting to continue. Work will now focus on installation and integration of critical systems, sensors and combat technologies, ahead of initial sea trials.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, emphasised the wider significance:

- In a complex and uncertain world, the ability to design, build, and support advanced warships in the UK is more important than ever.
HMS Venturer's first entry into the water is a powerful demonstration of British sovereign industrial capability and of the depth, resilience, and expertise within Babcock’s Marine business. This is engineering at its finest – delivered with pride, purpose and precision. HMS Venturer is just the beginning.

Among the ship’s crew during the operation was Leading Writer Andy Fleming, responsible for administrative support on board.

- My grandfather worked at Harland and Wolff – so being part of Venturer’s first float-off was a proud personal moment, he noted.

Lieutenant Dai Guthrie, Deputy Marine Engineer Officer, added:

- This was a truly historic moment – and a testament to the team ethos that has defined the build process from day one. Venturer will bring cutting-edge naval technology into front-line service.

When commissioned, HMS Venturer and her sister ships will be based in Portsmouth and deployed on a variety of tasks, including counter-narcotics operations, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian assistance.

The Type 31 programme, part of the UK Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, aims to deliver all five vessels within the decade, reinforcing the Royal Navy’s global posture with a versatile and cost-effective platform.