ROSYTH, Scotland — March 25, 2026 : The Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme has reached another significant construction milestone with the successful float-off of HMS Active, the second vessel in the Inspiration Class, at Babcock International’s Rosyth shipyard. The operation, conducted on March 21, marks the first time the 5,700-tonne warship has entered the water and transitions it into the next phase of build, outfitting, and testing.
The float-off was carried out with support from engineers representing Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and the Royal Navy, using a controlled and low-risk method tailored for large naval platforms. HMS Active was transported from its build position using a self-propelled modular transporter before being aligned over the semi-submersible barge Malin Augustea. The barge was then submerged, allowing the vessel to float free.
This operation represents a procedural advancement for the Rosyth facility. Unlike the float-off of the lead ship HMS Venturer, which required towing into the Firth of Forth, HMS Active was floated off directly within the shipyard’s non-tidal basin. Prior dredging operations ensured sufficient depth for the manoeuvre, eliminating the need for open-water transfer and reducing both time and cost.
Following the float-off, HMS Active has been positioned alongside the basin wall and is expected to move into dry dock—recently vacated by HMS Venturer—for continued outfitting. The next stages will include systems integration, harbour trials, commissioning, and eventual sea trials before entry into operational service.
Design, Capabilities, and Technical Characteristics
HMS Active is based on the Arrowhead 140 design, derived from the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class hull. The vessel measures 138.7 metres in length, with a beam of 19.8 metres and a full-load displacement of approximately 5,700 tonnes. Propulsion is provided by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration using four Rolls-Royce/MTU 20V 8000 M71 engines, enabling speeds exceeding 28 knots and a range of around 7,500 nautical miles.
The frigate is designed to operate with a core crew of approximately 105–110 personnel, with accommodation capacity for up to 160, including mission specialists. Its mission profile includes interception operations, intelligence gathering, defence engagement, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.
In terms of armament, the Type 31 frigates are equipped with a Bofors 57mm Mk3 main gun and two Bofors 40mm Mk4 secondary guns, supported by the Sea Ceptor air-defence missile system. The design also incorporates a large flight deck and modular mission bays capable of deploying boats, unmanned systems, and containerised payloads. Future upgrades or later vessels in the class are expected to integrate a 32-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system.
Programme Structure and Fleet Integration
The Type 31 programme, awarded to Babcock International in November 2019, encompasses the construction of five Inspiration Class general-purpose frigates at Rosyth. The planned vessels include HMS Venturer, HMS Active, HMS Formidable, HMS Bulldog, and HMS Campbeltown. These ships are intended to replace the Royal Navy’s aging Type 23 general-purpose frigates and will serve as flexible, globally deployable platforms within the surface fleet.
All five vessels are scheduled to enter service by the early 2030s. HMS Venturer, the lead ship, completed its float-off in 2025 and is currently undergoing outfitting.
The float-off of HMS Active follows a series of recent milestones at Rosyth. In late February 2026, the vessel was formally rolled out from the purpose-built Venturer Building Assembly Hall during an evening ceremony. On the same day, steel cutting commenced for HMS Bulldog, the fourth ship in the class, marking continued production momentum.
Official Statements
Steve Ranyard, Type 31 Team Leader at DE&S, stated that the float-off represents “another landmark moment” for the programme and reflects the coordinated effort across the Rosyth workforce and wider UK supply chain in delivering a versatile frigate capability.
Commodore Stephen Roberts, the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Programme Senior Responsible Owner, said HMS Active will contribute to national security and NATO operations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining modern naval platforms in an evolving security environment.
Industrial Impact and Economic Contribution
Beyond its operational role, the Type 31 programme contributes significantly to the UK’s defence industrial base. It currently supports approximately 2,500 skilled jobs, including 1,250 positions at the Rosyth shipyard and a further 1,250 across the national supply chain.
The programme aligns with broader government objectives to stimulate economic growth through defence investment, while maintaining sovereign shipbuilding capabilities and supporting long-term workforce development within the maritime sector.
With HMS Active now afloat and progressing through the next stages of construction, the Type 31 programme continues to advance toward delivering a new generation of general-purpose frigates for the Royal Navy.
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