Navantia UK To Acquire Harland & Wolff

The future of Belfast's historic Harland & Wolff shipyard has reportedly been secured in a newly agreed deal with Spain's state-owned shipbuilder, Navantia.

The deal will see Navantia UK take control of Harland & Wolff's four sites in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. This will allow for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two companies.

Navantia UK is currently the prime contractor for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme, building three ships for the Royal Navy. The acquisition of Harland & Wolff will facilitate the efficient delivery of these vessels.

The deal is expected to be finalised in January 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

Welcoming the news, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said: "This investment is great news for Belfast, for the Northern Ireland economy and, above all, for Harland and Wolff's hugely skilled shipbuilding workforce. "Harland and Wolff is an iconic, internationally-renowned company with a long and proud history.

"I am delighted that, with this deal, it will now have a bright future ahead."

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson added: "I am delighted that this agreement has been reached which will secure the future of jobs in Belfast and in its other sites.

"This has been a hugely unsettling time, particularly for all the staff at the yard, but the contract for the Ministry of Defence’s Fleet Solid Support was always crucial to a solution being found. Harland & Wolff forms part of a wider defence sector that has huge potential for further growth in Northern Ireland. I am looking forward to joining the Secretary of State at Harland & Wolff later today and to meet and discuss with staff.

"The staff are the yard’s biggest asset, and this has been a worrying period. This announcement should provide some very welcome relief and reassurance to them as we look forward to Christmas."