Navantia UK has announced it is in discussions to acquire Harland & Wolff, the British shipbuilding company, in a deal that could safeguard over 1,000 jobs and integrate four sites into Navantia’s operations.
The proposed acquisition includes Harland & Wolff’s sites in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Appledore, England; and Methil and Arnish, Scotland. Navantia UK stated that the deal aims to strengthen the UK’s industrial capacity in shipbuilding, defence, and offshore wind while supporting a skilled workforce and a resilient domestic supply chain.
Navantia UK currently leads the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme, which involves constructing three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. These vessels are being built across Harland & Wolff’s Belfast and Appledore facilities, as well as Navantia’s Puerto Real site in Spain. The company highlighted that incorporating Harland & Wolff’s facilities would help ensure the timely delivery of the FSS programme.
“This deal represents an opportunity to build on Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and further strengthen the UK’s sovereign industrial capacity,” the press release stated.
The agreement, which remains subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in January 2025. Navantia UK emphasised its commitment to the UK’s industrial base and its focus on long-term collaboration with the government to deliver strategic capabilities for the Royal Navy.
“The acquisition will strengthen Britain’s industrial capacity whilst preserving more than 1,000 jobs,” the company added.
Navantia, a state-owned company under Spain’s Sociedad Española de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), brings extensive expertise in shipbuilding and programme management. The company also operates in renewable energy sectors, including offshore wind and green hydrogen, through its Navantia Seanergies brand.
Navantia UK framed the acquisition as a step towards reinforcing UK capabilities. The implications for the country’s shipbuilding industry will depend on the details of the final agreement and its implementation. Regulatory approvals will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has welcomed Navantia UK’s agreement to purchase all four Harland and Wolff shipyards, including its Belfast facility.
The deal has secured 1,000 UK jobs and ensured the delivery of the Fleet Solid Support Programme to build three Royal Navy ships.
In Belfast, around 500 jobs will be protected by the deal. The deal supports delivery of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security while raising living standards across the UK with good, skilled, productive jobs which foster economic growth.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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.”