Exclusive: Future British Royal Navy HMS Venturer Type 31 frigate moves by barge for float-off procedure .

According to a picture released on the X account of Gabriele Molinelli on Monday, June 9, 2025, a significant step forward in the British Royal Navy's modernization efforts was observed when HMS Venturer, the second new Type 31 "Inspiration Class" frigate, successfully completed her float-off procedure at the Port of Leith.
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HMS Venturer, the British Royal Navy's new Type 31 frigate, is transported on the submersible barge CD01 from Rosyth to Leith for her float-off. (Picture source: Gabriele Molinelli X account)

This crucial milestone saw the 5,700-tonne, 139-meter-long warship, vital for the UK's global maritime presence, transported from Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard atop the submersible barge CD01. This method was necessitated by the need for deeper waters, with the impressive operation showing the barge submerging in the River Forth to allow the frigate to float free for the first time, quickly gaining traction online.

The Type 31 program is a cornerstone of the UK's National Shipbuilding Strategy. Babcock International Group PLC secured the contract from the UK Ministry of Defence in November 2019 to deliver five Type 31 frigates, with the initial contract valued at approximately £1.25 billion for Babcock, averaging around £250 million per ship. This significant investment directly supports 1,250 highly skilled jobs at Babcock's Rosyth facility, along with approximately 150 apprenticeships, and an additional 1,250 roles within the broader UK supply chain. Adding to the program's scope, Babcock recently secured a further £65 million contract in April 2025 for a "Capability Insertion Period" (CIP). This will deliver additional military capabilities to all five Type 31 frigates, likely including the integration of the Mk 41 VLS cells, further boosting their operational effectiveness. The successful float-off of HMS Venturer brings her closer to completion and active service, reinforcing the Royal Navy's capacity to maintain a robust and adaptable presence on the global stage.

The Type 31 frigates are designed as highly versatile, general-purpose warships. They will support a broad spectrum of global operations, from maritime security and disaster relief to intelligence gathering and international defense engagement, complementing the more specialized Type 26 frigates by providing a flexible and cost-effective presence worldwide. Key combat capabilities include being equipped with the Sea Ceptor missile system for protection against aerial threats. Future plans allow for the potential integration of a 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), which could expand missile options, potentially including Tomahawk cruise missiles for land attack.

For close-range engagements, the Type 31 frigate is armed with one Bofors 57mm Mk 110 main gun and two Bofors 40mm Mk 4 secondary guns provide defense against surface threats and fast attack craft. A flight deck and hangar can support Merlin or Wildcat helicopters, enhancing anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. Crucially, their modular design allows for easy upgrades and flexible mission spaces, capable of accommodating up to six 20-foot ISO containers for various operational needs. The frigates will also feature the Thales NS110 3D or NS200 radar and other advanced sensors for comprehensive situational awareness.

The Type 31 frigates will significantly enhance the British Royal Navy's global reach and presence, designed as versatile assets for a broad spectrum of naval warfare. They will primarily serve as key enablers for maritime security operations, including deterring illegal activities such as piracy and drug trafficking, and executing essential defense engagement missions through international exercises and port visits. Their inherent flexibility, facilitated by a modular design and capacity for embarked helicopters, allows them to adapt quickly to diverse operational requirements, from intelligence gathering to acting as crucial platforms for humanitarian aid and disaster relief globally.

While not intended for the highest intensity of combat, the Type 31s possess a robust self-defense capability and the potential for significant future upgrades to their combat systems. They will complement the more specialized Type 26 frigates by providing a cost-effective solution for sustained presence in various theaters, allowing the Royal Navy to project influence and safeguard interests worldwide, ensuring a balanced and adaptable fleet capable of responding to evolving threats and maintaining global maritime order.