Navantia UK begins modernisation works at Harland and Wolff Belfast
Navantia UK, the new owner of Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, has launched promised modernisation works at the facility.
"The investment represents a substantial increase to the funding originally planned under the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) contract, in which Navantia UK is building three vessels for the Ministry of Defence and will transform the facility into one of the UK’s most advanced shipbuilding operations, significantly enhancing capabilities and technological infrastructure," said Navantia UK.
After the acquisition of Harland and Wolff in January 2025, Navantia UK announced an increase of the £78 million ($104 million) plan included in the FSS programme. The civil works associated with this investment, which had been temporarily paused in recent months, resumed in March.
"The modernisation programme will significantly enhance the Belfast facility’s ability to build the FSS vessels and support future programmes," said Navantia.
"The transformation will initially benefit 600 existing Belfast roles with the potential to grow the workforce in the long term by adding more high-skilled jobs – including positions in computer-aided design, advanced manufacturing, and digital systems integration."
The upgrade includes both infrastructure development and equipment installation, featuring new lifting cranes, robotic plasma cutting systems, and automated quality control processes.
A fully mechanised panel line for flat panel units will be installed, while the shipyard’s Samson and Goliath gantry cranes will remain.
"By combining Harland and Wolff’s proud heritage with Navantia’s global expertise and cutting-edge technology, we are creating a world-class facility capable of delivering the next generation of naval vessels," commented Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK.
The investment programme extends beyond Belfast, including upgrades at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in Devon, where bow sections for the FSS vessels are being produced.
The company has already committed to purchasing an advanced plasma cutter with expanded bed dimensions and sophisticated bevel cutting capabilities, replacing machinery that has served the facility for more than 20 years.
