Trio forms Team Calibre to support UK’s Type 31 frigate program

KBR, Frazer-Nash Consultancy and V.Group have revealed plans for forming Team Calibre to collectively position its capabilities to support the Royal Navy’s future Type 31 through life support program.

The eight-year Type 31 Through Life Support Contract is expected to commence in Q4 2025 and will provide a solution to optimize the availability and operational service for the five new Type 31 (Inspiration-class) frigates.

Together, Team Calibre combines the strength of V.Group’s technical capabilities from commercial shipping with the extensive complex program delivery and technical expertise of KBR and Frazer-Nash. The partners aim to ensure the Type 31 frigates are equipped for today’s challenges, and adaptable to tomorrow’s opportunities. 

“Frazer-Nash brings deep understanding of the Type 31 platform, wider MOD asset operations and extensive pedigree of supporting UK government and the Royal Navy to accelerate technology adoption and increase operational advantage to Team Calibre. Our technical and programmatic expertise combined with the unique propositions of KBR and V.Group in the maritime domain provide a highly strategic, collaborative engagement across the enterprise to maximise the potential benefits of adopting a proven commercial model. We are excited to launch Team Calibre,” Sarah Wilkes, Managing Director, Frazer-Nash, commented.

“Managing complex vessels is at the heart of what we do; ensuring their availability 24/7 wherever they are around the world. V.Group’s commercial approach, where we always operate in collaboration with our partners and customers, will bring new levels of learning to the naval environment, delivering a Type 31 fleet that is fully available where and when required,” René Kofod-Olsen, CEO of V.Group, said.

“The partnership of KBR, Frazer Nash and V.Group as Team Calibre brings together the expertise and capabilities required to deliver a transformational solution for the Royal Navy, embracing new and different technologies, and delivering better outcomes for the vessels and their crew.”

“As a Strategic Supplier to the UK Government, KBR provides wide ranging support to complex international defence programmes, supporting with resilience and reliability. The strength of our combined capabilities as Team Calibre can position the MOD to continue delivering world class services that overcome the challenges of tomorrow for the safety of our nation,” Max Baldwin, Vice President Government Solutions International, KBR, noted.

Team Calibre’s experience spans the maritime and defence domain, through both ship and complex program management.

“By leveraging this expertise, the Team will work in partnership with the Royal Navy to deliver world leading support – transforming the way technical ship management is delivered to UK Defence,” it was concluded.

Recently, a new milestone was unlocked for the second Type 31 frigate, HMS Active.