UK subsidiary of Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia S.A., S.M.E., Navantia UK, announced plans to invest in Harland & Wolff’s facilities to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and clean energy industrial capabilities. After the recent takeover of Harland & Wolff by the subsidiary UK Navantia, the company announced an investment plan for the historic shipbuilder Harland & Wolff.
Following the completion of Harland & Wolff’s acquisition, senior leadership from Navantia and its British subsidiary, Navantia UK, visited last week the Belfast shipyard.
To remind, the acquisition covers the four Harland & Wolff facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish which employ around 1,000 people. The four facilities are located in Belfast (Northern Ireland), Appledore (Devon), and Methil (Fife) and Arnish (Western Isles).
“Today marks the beginning of our shared journey. We are not just combining two companies; we are building a formidable team,” said Navantia’s chairman, Ricardo Domínguez.
Speaking to the workforce, Mr Domínguez announced that Navantia UK will resume and expand the investment and recapitalisation plan for Harland & Wolff, which is central to the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme but had been paused in recent months.
The investment across the four sites will fund cutting-edge facilities, technology and training, Navantia UK said, underpinned by a comprehensive business plan to integrate these facilities into the UK’s industrial and defence ecosystem.
As prime contractor for the FSS programme, Navantia UK will build three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, with integration and delivery taking place at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast shipyard.
Navantia UK claims that under its management “all four facilities will benefit from extensive expertise in shipbuilding, fabrication and complex programme management, supporting both a highly skilled workforce and robust supply chain.”
Last week Ricardo Domínguez, chairman of Navantia, commented after the completion of the acquisition of the four Harland & Wolff facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish: “The completion of this acquisition marks a significant milestone for Navantia UK and demonstrates our long-term commitment to UK industry.
“By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise in defence, maritime and renewable energy, we are creating an exceptional platform for growth.”
