Deal struck to save Titanic shipbuilder Harland and Wolff

A deal has been struck to save troubled shipbuilder Harland and Wolff with Spanish state-owned business Navantia stepping in to buy it.

The Belfast-based company was placed into administration in September for the second time in five years.

Harland and Wolff, which famously built the Titanic, is a subcontractor in part of a consortium that landed a major contract to build new fleet solid support ships for the Royal Navy.

Navantia UK is the main contractor on that contract.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will secure 1,000 jobs at Harland and Wolff’s four shipyards – one in Belfast, two in Scotland (Methil on the Firth of Forth and Arnish on the Isle of Lewis) and one in England (Appledore in north Devon).

Harland & Wolff's first Cory barge at its Arnish site. — Harland & Wolff’s first Cory barge at its Arnish site. Harland & Wolff

The purchase agreement is set to protect workers’ existing terms and conditions.

The Government has also agreed to amend the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Programme contract with Navantia to ensure the company can “still deliver on the contract and build all three Navy ships”.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This deal is a major vote of confidence in the UK from Navantia, which will not only secure the future of UK shipbuilding but protect 1,000 jobs across the country and bring future investment into shipbuilding right across the UK.

“National security is the foundation of our Plan for Change – without it we can’t deliver on our milestones to raise living standards across the UK – with good skilled productive jobs.

“That is why we are steadfast in supporting the future of UK shipbuilding. This deal will guarantee our sovereign shipbuilding capability to bolster our Navy and ensure the industry can continue to deliver economic growth and boost coastal communities right across the UK.”

Defence secretary John Healey added: “This agreement keeps vital defence manufacturing in the UK and protects skilled jobs at historic shipyards across our nations.

“It strengthens our sovereign capability to support Royal Navy operations worldwide, while building the industrial partnerships that will drive growth.”

GMB Scotland welcomed the deal to save all four shipyards.

Louise Gilmour, the union’s secretary, said: “The priority now is to ensure the future of these yards is not just secure but sustainable.

“The workforce in Scotland has endured too many false dawns and deserves certainty, investment and detailed plans.

“These yards are full of engineering excellence, experience and potential and should be thriving not just surviving.”