To mark the 200th anniversary of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution is celebrating 200 inspirational and world-changing projects, past and present, from around the world throughout 2018. Nominated by ICE’s members and selected by an expert panel, the projects illustrate the breadth and depth of civil engineering’s impact.

First built as a naval base for World War 1 battleships, the Rosyth site – owned and operated by Babcock International – opened in 1915 and played a large part in the success of Britain’s war effort, providing access to the North Sea, which was an important battle zone. Following its redevelopment after World War 2, it became an important part of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, refitting and maintaining conventional and nuclear submarines. The most recent modification of the site’s infrastructure has enabled Rosyth to undertake the assembly of aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, the largest warships ever to enter service with the Royal Navy. HMS Queen Elizabeth is the Navy’s flagship and is anticipated to be in service for at least 50 years.

Sara Thiam, ICE Scotland director, said: “I’m delighted to see another Scottish Project join our list of 200 projects from around the world. It yet again highlights Scotland’s impressive track record for producing world class engineers and infrastructure over the last 200 years.

“Rosyth demonstrates the long-term benefits that civil engineering brings to society. It is a tribute to the enduring skills of civil engineers who created it and those responsible for its modification for continued use.”

Michael Murray OBE, FICE, MIStructE, Civil Engineer, who worked for Babcock at the Rosyth site between 1987 and 2016, said: “The Babcock Rosyth facility is an important local employer and training provider and has brought lots of opportunities to many people over the years.

“Civil engineering has played a hugely important part in the Babcock Rosyth site over the last century. Engineering is in Babcock’s DNA and technology is at the core of its engineering skills and capabilities, from which it seeks to drive and deliver innovation in every aspect of its work. It is great to see how the facility has adapted over the years due to changing demand, and how it continues to do so today.”

The Rosyth Dockyard joins the 200 projects featured on ICE’s website to help people understand civil engineering, after it was revealed that only 45% of adults know what the career entails and only 35% of young people understand what a civil engineer does. The What is Civil Engineering? pages can also be used to inspire the next generation of civil engineers and provide guidance and advice on how to become a civil engineer through a variety of routes, including apprenticeship.