Spain’s Navantia has finalised its acquisition of Harland and Wolff, which includes the yard in Belfast, employing around 500 workers.
The acquisition, initiated in December, requires regulatory approval and ensures the continuation of the Fleet Solid Support contract for constructing three English navy support ships.
All Harland and Wolff employees will remain under their current employment conditions as part of Navantia.
Concerns have been raised regarding the administration of the shipyards, which may adversely affect local suppliers facing financial losses, prompting calls for collaboration to support the supply chain.
Having once employed 40,000 workers in Belfast, Harland & Wolff’s Belfast shipyard is still one of Europe’s largest heavy engineering facilities. Current projects include the fabrication of barges and the SeaRose floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) refit contract. It recently refitted the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship. Other yards in Appledore, Methil, and Arnish employ a further 500 workers.
Historically a hotbed of militant unionism, the Belfast shjpyards were the scene of violent anti-Catholic pogroms in 1886, 1912. 1920-21, 1935, 1939, 1943, 1969 and 1970.
Ricardo Domínguez, Chairman of Navantia, shared: “The completion of this acquisition marks a significant milestone for Navantia and demonstrates our long-term commitment to the 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.”
