Babcock CEO praises world-class shipbuilding at Rosyth

During a recent visit to Rosyth, I had the opportunity to sit down with David Lockwood, the CEO of Babcock, to discuss the progress of the Type 31 frigate programme, the future of British shipbuilding, and the role of Rosyth’s shipyard in delivering advanced naval capabilities.

The conversation highlighted Babcock’s achievements in creating a “frigate factory” and the strategic significance of domestic shipbuilding in meeting the Royal Navy’s needs.

David Lockwood, CEO of @Babcockplc, lauded Rosyth’s world-class capabilities in a recent chat with @geoallison, highlighting progress on the Type 31. He noted the ability to deliver five warships in a decade and described the workforce’s mood as expectant about the future. pic.twitter.com/wfsaVTxTQs

— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) October 10, 2024

HMS Formidable: A Milestone in British Shipbuilding

The steel-cutting ceremony for HMS Formidable marked a significant moment for Babcock, signalling that the Type 31 programme is nearing its midpoint. Lockwood explained the progress so far, stating:

“The steel cut for Formidable really is almost the midpoint of the programme. Two in completion behind us, one just started, two more to go. That will be five warships in 10 years—from contract placement to in-service—never been achieved before by any western shipyard.”

This achievement is particularly notable for its speed and efficiency, demonstrating the success of Babcock’s “frigate factory” model.

Producing five warships in a decade is an unprecedented feat for a Western shipyard, Lockwood said.

A Factory for Frigates

Babcock’s vision for Rosyth has always been ambitious, aiming to establish a production line for frigates that can deliver high-quality warships at speed. As Lockwood highlighted, the progress made thus far is a clear indication that they are on track:

“It’s a real demonstration of what we set out to do, which is a frigate factory.”

The focus on creating a production facility that can deliver warships efficiently is crucial for meeting the Royal Navy’s operational needs. The Type 31 programme not only provides modern, versatile frigates to replace older vessels but also ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of naval shipbuilding capabilities.

What’s Next for Babcock at Rosyth?

With the success of the Type 31 programme, the question of “what’s next?” naturally arises. While the future remains uncertain, given the ongoing Strategic Defence Review (SDR) in the UK, Lockwood sees a role for Babcock in any upcoming opportunities:

“Obviously we’re waiting in the UK for the outcome of the SDR, but this is a world-class shipyard, we’ll have a role to play.”

He also hinted at export opportunities that could extend beyond the Royal Navy’s needs, mentioning interest from international customers:

“But also, there are export orders that we are working on, such as Sweden. There are other export orders for the Type 31. So there’s a whole range of things that this yard can be doing after this batch.”

This interest in exporting British-built warships underscores the appeal of the Type 31’s design and capabilities, opening up new markets and helping to sustain the UK’s shipbuilding industry.

A Workforce Ready

Lockwood’s enthusiasm for the programme was matched by his optimism for the future of the workforce at Rosyth. When asked to sum up the mood of the workforce in one word, Lockwood chose:

“Expectant.”

This sentiment reflects the anticipation of future projects and the hope that the expertise developed during the Type 31 programme will be put to use in subsequent contracts. The skills honed through the building of these frigates could pave the way for future opportunities, whether through the Royal Navy or export orders.

The chat with David Lockwood painted a picture of a shipyard and a company that are proud of their achievements but remain focused on what lies ahead. As the UK awaits the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review, the work being done at Rosyth serves as a reminder of the value of domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

The investments in skills, technology, and infrastructure have not only strengthened the Royal Navy but have also created a foundation for future growth, both at home and abroad.