1,000 jobs to be saved as Navantia UK buys out Harland & Wolff shipyard1,000 jobs to be saved as Navantia UK buys out Harland & Wolff shipyard

Spanish shipbuilding subsidiary Navantia UK has come to the rescue of struggling shipyard Harland & Wolff in a deal that will secure the future of the company’s UK shipyards and save many jobs. 

H&F – whose yards are located in Northern Ireland (Belfast), Scotland (Arnish and Methil) and Devon (Appledore) – entered administration on September 27. The buy out, subject to regulatory approval, secures the future of all four yards. 

Investment in UK shipbuilding

‘This deal is a major vote of confidence in the UK from Navantia, which will not only secure the future of UK shipbuilding but protect 1,000 jobs across the country and bring future investment into shipbuilding right across the UK,’ remarked business & trade secretary for the UK government, Jonathan Reynolds. He said the government is 'steadfast in supporting the future of UK shipbuilding.'

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the move ‘...protects skilled jobs at historic shipyards across our nations.’

The deal represents a major investment into the UK’s industrial base from Navantia UK and will provide opportunities for future naval work at Harland & Wolff’s shipyards across the country, which could create new jobs and give a boost to the UK’s coastal communities nationwide.

Proud heritage

Related:Harland and Wolff lands £19.5m, staving off administration

The buy out preserves Scotland and Northern Ireland’s proud shipbuilding heritage, protecting the jobs of 350 skilled workers at the company’s sites in Arnish and Methil.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray visited Harland and Wolff’s Methil site yesterday to meet with management, workers and trade unions. He stated, ‘This deal will save hundreds of skilled Scottish jobs, bringing a vital lifeline to communities on Lewis and in Methil. 

‘Navantia’s investment will not only secure the future of all four UK yards, but also encourage future support for UK shipbuilding and fabrication…’ 

Murray said that the government’s Plan for Change ‘is fixing the foundations as we face up to the worst economic and industrial inheritance since the Second World War. But through our Industrial Strategy, and by helping facilitate deals like this one, we are breathing new life into key sectors, sustaining skilled jobs and delivering long-term economic growth to improve living standards right across the UK.

‘Scotland has a proud industrial past. Today, the workers of Fife and Lewis can look forward to a bright industrial future.’

Representatives of the shipyard declined to comment.