The Type 31 frigate shares its modular approach with the Type 26. This design strategy is a key part of the UK’s approach to shipbuilding, and it allows ship designs to be tweaked and upgraded – and sold to other countries. These smaller ships are being built by Babcock International rather than BAE Systems, and Babcock is spending £50 million (about $70 million) on a new hall to construct these vessels. Individual ship modules will be rolled into this new hall on self-propelled transporters, moved into position using cranes and then attached to other modules. Once the ship’s hull is complete, it will be moved outdoors so the mast, bridge and other components can be fitted – just like the Type 26.
The Type 31 is produced in modules, just like the Type 26, for easier building