Navantia UK, formed in April 2022 as an affiliate of Spain’s
Grupo Navantia and the new owner of
Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the iconic Titanic was constructed, has launched the modernisation works that ‘will transform the yard into one of the most advanced shipbuilding facilities in the UK’. 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.
After the acquisition of Harland & Wolff in January 2025, Navantia UK announced an increase of the £78 million plan included in the FSS programme. This will significantly enhance the Belfast facility’s ability to build the FSS vessels and support future programmes and will initially benefit 600 existing Belfast roles with the potential to grow the workforce in the long term by adding more high-skilled jobs. These will include roles in computer-aided design, advanced manufacturing, and digital systems integration.
Juan de la Cueva, Navantia UK’s CEO, said: “This investment marks a watershed moment for UK shipbuilding. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage with Navantia’s global expertise and advanced technology, we are creating a world-class facility capable of delivering the next generation of naval vessels. This modernisation programme represents our long-term commitment to UK sovereign capability, and to the revival of shipbuilding in the UK.”
Maximising productivityThe modernisation centres on maximising productivity, creating skilled jobs, and implementing sustainable manufacturing. The first phase focuses on enhancing capabilities for building vessel hulls, with improvements to delivery systems, stockyard management, and cutting technologies. Upgrades will include both infrastructure development and advanced-equipment installation, such as new lifting cranes, robotic plasma cutting systems, and automated quality control processes. A fully mechanised panel line for flat panel units will also be installed — and the shipyard’s iconic Samson and Goliath gantry cranes will continue to play a vital role in operations.
Moreover, the investment programme extends beyond Belfast, with significant 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 bevel cutting capabilities, replacing machinery that has served the facility for more than 20 years.
Navantia UK’s investment strategy also encompasses its Scottish facilities at Arnish and Methil, which specialise in the energy industries. At Arnish, investment has already begun on skills development infrastructure.