Navantia UK, the British arm of Spanish shipbuilding giant Navantia, is in advanced discussions to acquire Harland & Wolff, a historic shipbuilding company. The proposed acquisition covers Harland & Wolff’s operations across four sites: Belfast in Northern Ireland, Appledore in the South West of England, and Methil and Arnish in Scotland.
This strategic move aims to strengthen the United Kingdom’s industrial capacity and safeguard more than 1,000 jobs. Navantia UK has stated that the deal will significantly bolster the nation’s shipbuilding, defence, and offshore wind capabilities while fostering a robust British supply chain.
Under the terms of the agreement, Navantia UK will assume management of all four Harland & Wolff facilities. By leveraging its expertise in shipbuilding, fabrication, and complex programme management, the company plans to enhance operational efficiency and promote knowledge transfer within the UK’s industrial sector.
This development comes as Navantia UK leads the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme, constructing three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to support the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group. These vessels will be built across facilities in Belfast, Appledore, and Puerto Real in Spain, with Harland & Wolff’s integration ensuring seamless delivery of the ships.
The acquisition is expected to be finalised in January 2025, pending regulatory approvals and completion of negotiations. Navantia UK has emphasised that the deal will mitigate risks to the FSS programme and streamline its construction timeline.
In a statement, Navantia UK praised the UK government’s commitment to the FSS programme. “We welcome the opportunity to build upon Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and deliver essential capabilities for the Royal Navy,” a company representative said. The acquisition is viewed as a long-term investment in Britain’s defence and industrial base.