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domestically, while others are looking at different models depending on their needs. In some cases, we’ ll build the first ships in the UK while training local engineers and transferring the knowledge required for future vessels to be constructed in-country. Elsewhere, customers may prefer complete ships built in Scotland to align closely with the Royal Navy and benefit from shared training, logistics and long-term support.“ Ultimately, there’ s no one-size-fitsall solution. Every customer has different operational, industrial and strategic priorities, so our role is to provide a model that delivers the capability they need while supporting their long-term ambitions.”
As international demand grows, so too does the need for a skilled workforce. IIgi believes investing in the next generation of engineers is essential if the UK is to maintain its competitive advantage in naval shipbuilding.
“ Shipbuilding capacity isn’ t just about having enough dock space; it’ s about having the people with the right skills. That’ s why we’ re investing heavily in apprenticeships, STEM outreach and university partnerships to help develop the workforce we’ ll need in the years ahead.”
At the heart of Babcock’ s UK shipbuilding activity is the Royal Navy’ s Type 31 program. Being delivered at Rosyth, the program is not only providing a new class of general-purpose frigates but also helping to sustain sovereign shipbuilding capability in the UK.
“ The Type 31 is a five-ship program, and we’ ve now cut steel on the fourth vessel, with work on the fifth due to begin shortly,” IIgi shares.“ Ships one and two have already left the construction hall, and the program continues to move forward.
“ The program has played an important role in maintaining UK shipbuilding capability. Following the Queen Elizabethclass aircraft carrier program, retaining the
skills and expertise we’ d developed was a major priority. Alongside other national shipbuilding programs, Type 31 has helped ensure those capabilities continue to grow.“ The platform itself is designed as a flexible, general-purpose frigate capable of carrying out a wide range of missions. That adaptability is one of the reasons it has generated such strong international interest and provides the foundation for the Arrowhead 140 export program.”
Alongside delivering complex naval programs, Babcock is continuing to invest in Rosyth’ s long-term manufacturing capability through automation, robotics and advanced engineering technologies.
“ We’ re building what we call a digital dockyard. That means investing heavily in advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics and automation to improve precision, productivity and quality,” he elaborates.“ Today, Rosyth is home to some of the UK’ s most advanced marine
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