Navantia UK has completed its acquisition of Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish.
The Spanish shipbuilding and engineering company said the deal would protect more than 1,000 jobs across the four sites in Northern Ireland, Scotland and south west England as well as strengthening Britain’s defence, maritime and clean energy industrial capabilities.
Navantia had been in exclusive talks to buy the assets since last October following the heavily loss-making Harland & Wolff’s fall into administration a month earlier.
The rescue bid secures the firm’s continued involvement in the £1.6bn Future Solid Support shipbuilding contract awarded by the Royal Navy in 2022 and ensures the three vessels on order to support the UK Carrier Strike Group will be built at the Belfast and Appledore yards alongside Navantia facilities in Spain.
The company said it also plans “significant development” of the yards to support the clean energy sector.
Navantia chairman Ricardo Dominguez said: “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.”
The company thanked the UK government for its support throughout the process to complete the transaction which has now received all regulatory approvals.