In this article
Supporting Naval Strength
ERIKS Wins Supply Partnership for Type 31 Frigates
Industry Sector:
Defence
Application:
Naval frigates
Actual Saving:
N/A
Payback period:
N/A
Product/Service:
- Valve sets
- Flow Technology
Customer Benefits:
- Quality assurance
- Operational resilience
- Technical confidence
- Supply chain continuity
- Programme alignment
- Trusted defence sector partner
The UK’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates are a vital part of the Royal Navy’s future strategy, intended to deliver five versatile, globally deployable ships within a highly ambitious build schedule.
Each vessel must meet strict performance, resilience, and operational standards to support a wide range of missions — from maritime security operations to full naval combat readiness.
Challenge
For shipbuilder Babcock International, constructing the Type 31s at Rosyth demands more than advanced shipbuilding expertise. Success also depends on securing a reliable supply of technically complex mechanical components — particularly pumps, valves, and fluid control systems — that meet military-grade standards for quality, durability, and compliance.
These requirements posed a significant challenge: Babcock needed a partner capable of not only supplying high-performance components to long term detailed schedules but also managing specification complexity, ensuring total traceability, aligning with Ministry of Defence procurement protocols, and guaranteeing supply chain continuity under tight build schedules. The need for a resilient, technically proficient supplier was clear — and mission-critical.
Solution
Following a rigorous competitive tender process, ERIKS was selected to support the Type 31 programme through a multi-year contract. Drawing on deep expertise in naval and fluid system applications, ERIKS challenged conventional thought to put forward a solution that encompassed some new ways of thinking that could be delivered as comprehensive solution tailored to the project’s exacting demands.
From the outset, ERIKS’ team of specialists worked closely with Babcock’s project teams to validate and optimise component specifications. Each item — from control system to complex valve assemblies — was sourced with full compliance to MOD standards, accompanied by complete traceability documentation aligned to JOSCAR, DEFCON, and relevant quality frameworks.
Understanding the criticality of schedule adherence, ERIKS embedded proactive supply chain management into the project delivery model. Dedicated project managers and technical specialists were assigned to coordinate the build process, stockholding, and rapid response support, ensuring Babcock could rely on a resilient pipeline of components delivered in a timely way throughout each of the frigate build phases.
Throughout the process, ERIKS’ collaborative approach enabled seamless integration between engineering teams, safeguarding against delays, preventing specification drift, and maintaining alignment with Babcock’s wider shipbuilding and programme milestones.
Result
The partnership between ERIKS and Babcock International represents a significant contribution to the success of the Type 31 frigate programme. With ERIKS supplying technically validated, compliant, and traceable Flow control system components, Babcock has strengthened its ability to meet the Royal Navy’s expectations for platform performance, schedule, and quality.
By delivering consistently against project milestones, ERIKS has reinforced its reputation as a trusted Defence sector partner, capable of supporting high-profile naval programmes through technical expertise, supply chain resilience, and engineering collaboration. The Type 31 project further builds on ERIKS’ track record of supporting key UK Defence and marine initiatives, helping to ensure that the next generation of Royal Navy warships will be ready to face the challenges of tomorrow’s maritime environment.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership cements ERIKS’ role as a critical enabler of sovereign industrial capability — supporting not only naval excellence but also the broader goals of the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Customer Benefits
- Quality Assurance: Full traceability and MOD-compliant documentation for every supplied component.
- Operational Resilience: Secure, managed supply chain supporting fixed naval build schedules.
- Technical Confidence: Expert specification matching ensures optimal performance in demanding naval environments.
- Supply Chain Continuity: Risk-mitigated sourcing through ERIKS’ Defence Centre of Excellence and approved vendors.
- Programme Alignment: Collaborative engineering support ensures no delays or integration challenges during platform build.
- Trusted Defence Sector Partner: Proven track record supplying specialist components to the UK’s leading defence contractors.
