First Voyage of the Royal Navy's Latest Frigate Beneath the Historic Forth Bridges

Image Credits: Royal Navy/X
A recent publication by the Royal Navy highlights the exciting launch of HMS Venturer, the latest addition to their fleet. This notable 139-metre-long vessel is the first of five Type 31 frigates designed to safeguard our seas well into the future.

On June 14, HMS Venturer made its debut as it was towed beneath Scotland’s iconic Forth bridges during an 11-mile journey up the Forth estuary for further construction at Rosyth.A diverse group onboard included Royal Navy personnel and Babcock International Group workers—engineers and shipwrights who have been dedicated to building this ship since september 2021 when they cut its first steel.

Just last month, Venturer was carefully rolled out from her assembly hall at Rosyth dockyard on a large low-loader before being placed onto a semi-submersible barge in preparation for her inaugural splash into water. The team from Babcock had been patiently waiting for just the right tidal conditions in the Forth estuary to float her off that barge. Earlier this week, they set sail from Rosyth toward calmer waters near Leith.

Image Credits: Royal Navy/X
With assistance from Babcock staff, crew members executed a prosperous floating operation as water levels rose around Venturer’s hull. For the very first time, she detached from her barge and floated independently! Tugs were then attached to guide her back upriver towards Rosyth—a important moment marked as her maiden voyage with Commander Chris Cozens aboard, fulfilling one of his final duties before transitioning to another role.As stated by sources within the Royal Navy, Commander Cozens emphasized that this launch represented more than just a ceremonial event; it signified completion of Venturer’s main structure. He commended everyone involved—from shipbuilders to Ministry of Defense officials—for their dedication in preparing this modern frigate for contemporary maritime challenges.

Upon returning to Rosyth, HMS Venturer was moved into an inner base within the dockyard where Babcock and contractors will finalize installations and prepare systems ahead of upcoming sea trials.

Image Credits: Royal Navy/X
sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of babcock’s Marine Sector remarked on how crucial it is indeed today for UK capabilities in designing and supporting modern warships amidst complex global dynamics. He referred to this achievement as “engineering at its best,” highlighting that such success stems from purposeful collaboration with partners—a promising start for what lies ahead with these vessels.

During launch preparations, crew members diligently checked various compartments ensuring everything functioned smoothly. Among them was Leading Writer Andy Fleming who usually manages administrative tasks but found personal meaning in this moment due to his grandfather’s history working at Harland and Wolff shipyards.

Lieutenant Dai Guthrie—the Deputy Marine Engineer Officer—expressed pride over being part of such a historic occasion witnessing HMS Venturer take her first plunge into water; he noted how teamwork throughout construction played a vital role leading up to this milestone while showcasing progress towards deploying an advanced new frigate into service.

Once fully operational based out of Portsmouth alongside four sister ships, HMS Venturer will engage in diverse missions ranging from combating illegal drug trafficking operations and conducting security boardings—to responding effectively during global humanitarian crises.