A newly minted coin bearing the ship’s crest and the Babcock logo was placed beneath the keel by 17-year-old apprentice Joolz Hunter. The tradition is intended to bring good fortune and has been observed on Royal Navy ships for centuries.
Work on Formidable began in October 2024, and the vessel is now starting to take shape as the first of 170 modules is positioned. Once complete, the frigate will carry out general duties worldwide under the White Ensign.
“HMS Formidable’s keel laying ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Type 31 project’s relentless progress in delivering the Royal Navy’s Inspiration Class to operations,” said Commander Thomas Hetherington. He added that “the ceremony blends the tradition of marking the birth of a ship with the undoubted technological advances that have been used in designing and building her for the extremely complex environment she will sail in.”
His crew currently serves all three ships under construction, while HMS Venturer undergoes final fitting and HMS Active prepares for rollout next year. Work on the fourth ship, HMS Bulldog, is also due to begin.
“Being part of this project is incredible, I’m learning from experienced professionals and contributing to something that matters for the UK and has such a positive impact for our local community,” said Joolz Hunter. He is one of more than 300 apprentices taken on by Babcock.
Luke Pollard MP said the workers at Rosyth represented “the defence dividend in action – strengthening our national security, whilst delivering quality jobs and driving economic growth.” He noted that they were building “ships which will protect our nation and project British power across the globe for years to come.”
Sir Nick Hine, Babcock’s Marine CEO, said the company and workforce were “delivering one of the most advanced defence programmes, that is driving economic growth and providing highly skilled jobs to our surrounding communities here in Scotland.” He said the programme placed Rosyth “right at the heart of UK shipbuilding innovation and cutting-edge digital technology.”
The Type 31 class will replace part of the ageing Type 23 fleet and will be based in Portsmouth. They will take on general duties, while the Type 26 frigates under construction on the Clyde will carry out anti-submarine operations.
Source: Royal Navy.
