Following the completion of Harland & Wolff’s acquisition, senior executives from Navantia and its UK subsidiary visited the Belfast shipyard. The team will also visit Harland & Wolff’s sites in Appledore, Methil, and Arnish in the coming days.
Navantia’s Chairman, Ricardo Domínguez, stated: “This is the beginning of a new phase. We are combining two companies to build a strong team.”
The investment plan includes the resumption and expansion of the previously paused recapitalisation project for Harland & Wolff. The focus of the investment will be on modernising facilities and integrating them into the UK’s broader industrial and defence framework. This project is vital for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme, where Navantia UK will build three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast site.
The planned investment will cover the development of advanced facilities, technology, and training programs, enhancing the capabilities of all four Harland & Wolff locations. As prime contractor for the FSS programme, Navantia UK is expected to play a critical role in the integration and delivery of the ships.
Conor Murphy, Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, expressed support for the agreement, saying he would continue to work with Navantia to discuss plans for scaling up operations and ensuring long-term viability for the shipyard.
Brigadier Andrew Muddiman, Royal Navy Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, acknowledged the UK Government’s commitment to the National Shipbuilding Strategy and its endorsement of the Belfast workforce.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Mickey Murray, recognised the importance of the deal in securing the long-term future of Harland & Wolff as a key employer and contributor to Belfast’s industrial sector
The integration of Harland & Wolff with Navantia UK aims to deliver both defence and clean energy solutions, supporting national security and energy transition objectives. Navantia’s expertise in technology and knowledge transfer will be instrumental in modernising the historic facilities to meet current industry demands.
Harland & Wolff is a UK-based shipbuilding and fabrication firm with facilities in Belfast, Arnish, Appledore, and Methil. The company focuses on ship repair, construction, and offshore services. After facing financial difficulties and entering administration for the second time in five years, Harland & Wolff was acquired by Navantia in December 2024.
