Harland & Wolff Shipyard Saved by Spanish Deal
Iconic Belfast Shipyard Harland & Wolff Saved by Spanish Deal, Securing 1,000 jobs
Belfast, Northern Ireland – In a move that secures the future of a shipbuilding icon, Harland & Wolff, the shipyard famous for building the Titanic, has been rescued from administration by a deal with Spain’s state-owned shipbuilder, Navantia. The agreement safeguards approximately 1,000 jobs across the company’s facilities in Belfast, Scotland, and England.The deal, finalized after months of negotiations, allows Harland & Wolff to fulfill its crucial role in constructing three fleet solid support (FSS) ships for the Royal Navy.Navantia, the main contractor for the project, will now have Harland & Wolff as its UK subcontractor.
“This is a good deal for Harland and wolff, its employees, and the British shipbuilding industry,” said UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. “It provides the best opportunity to sustain essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity and capability for future naval work, safeguarding both current and future jobs in the UK.”
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn echoed the sentiment, praising the deal as a radiant future for the “iconic, internationally renowned company with a long and proud history.”
The shipyard, instantly recognizable by its giant yellow cranes Samson and goliath, is located in east Belfast, the constituency of DUP leader Gavin Robinson.While robinson’s party, the DUP, has been a staunch supporter of Brexit, the company that ultimately saved Harland & Wolff has received significant funding from the European Commission as part of the European Defense Fund.
Robinson, in a statement welcoming the deal, highlighted the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s FSS contract in securing the shipyard’s future. “Harland & Wolff forms part of a wider defence sector that has huge potential for further growth in Northern Ireland,” he said.
The GMB union, while welcoming the deal, expressed cautious optimism about the long-term viability of Harland & Wolff’s yards. “Without a steady drumbeat of work these yards will continue to struggle,” said Matt Roberts, GMB national officer. “GMB will continue the fight to ensure that does not happen.”
The amendment to the FSS contract, according to officials, made “minimum changes necesary” to ensure Navantia’s ability to deliver all three ships. Business secretary Reynolds emphasized that this solution was far superior to the initial loan guarantee proposal, which he believed would have resulted in taxpayer losses and jeopardized the project.
This deal marks a significant turning point for Harland & Wolff, ensuring its continued contribution to the UK shipbuilding industry and safeguarding vital jobs across the country.
Harland & Wolff Lifted From Troubled Waters by Spanish Shipbuilding Giant
Titanic’s Cradle Rescued in Deal Securing 1,000 Jobs
Belfast’s iconic Harland & Wolff shipyard,famous for building the ill-fated Titanic,has been saved from administration in a deal with Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia.The agreement preserves approximately 1,000 jobs across the company’s facilities in Belfast, Scotland, and England.
This rescue package allows Harland & wolff to fulfill its crucial role in constructing three fleet solid support (FSS) ships for the Royal Navy. Navantia, the project’s main contractor, will enlist Harland & Wolff as its UK subcontractor.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds hailed the deal as a win for Harland & Wolff, its employees, and the British shipbuilding industry.
“It provides the best opportunity to sustain essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity and capability for future naval work, safeguarding both current and future jobs in the UK,” he stated.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn echoed the sentiment, praising the deal as a luminous future for the “iconic, internationally renowned company with a long and proud history.”
The shipyard, known for its giant yellow cranes Samson and Goliath, faces a future brighter than its recent past.
While the DUP, the party of East Belfast’s MP gavin Robinson, has championed Brexit, the savior of Harland & Wolff has received important funding from the European Commission through the European Defense Fund.
Robinson, though, highlighted the importance of the ministry of Defence’s FSS contract as the key to the shipyard’s revival: “Harland & Wolff forms part of a wider defense sector that has huge potential for further growth in Northern Ireland,” he asserted.
Despite welcoming the deal, the GMB union, representing shipyard workers, expressed cautious optimism about Harland & Wolff’s long-term viability.
“Without a steady drumbeat of work these yards will continue to struggle,” warned Matt Roberts, GMB national officer.”GMB will continue the fight to ensure that does not happen.”
The amendment to the FSS contract, according to officials, brought about “minimum necessary changes” to ensure navantia’s ability to deliver all three ships. Business Secretary Reynolds emphasized that this solution far exceeded the initial loan guarantee proposal, which he believed would have resulted in taxpayer losses and jeopardized the project.
This deal secures Harland & Wolff’s future, ensuring its continued contribution to the UK shipbuilding industry and safeguarding vital jobs across the nation.