Harland & Wolff to Create 900 New Jobs

Harland & Wolff, a prominent shipbuilding company based in Belfast, is set to create 900 new jobs as part of a significant contract awarded by the UK government. This initiative aims to support the construction of new Royal Navy ships, marking a pivotal moment for the shipbuilding industry in Northern Ireland. The contract, valued at £1.6 billion, has been awarded to Team Resolute, a consortium that includes Harland & Wolff, BMT, and Navantia UK. This development not only promises to revitalize the local economy but also to enhance the UK’s naval capabilities.

A Major Investment in Shipbuilding

The contract awarded to Team Resolute will lead to the creation of approximately 1,200 shipyard jobs across the UK. This includes hundreds of graduate and apprentice opportunities, along with an anticipated 800 additional jobs within the UK supply chain. The project will focus on the delivery of three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), which are essential for providing munitions, stores, and provisions to Royal Navy vessels.

The investment will inject around £100 million into UK shipyards. Of this, £77 million will be allocated to infrastructure improvements at Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast and Appledore. Additionally, £21 million will be dedicated to skills and technology transfer from Navantia UK. This investment aims to transform Harland & Wolff into one of the most advanced shipyards in the UK, positioning it for future export opportunities and enhancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, emphasized the importance of this contract for the UK’s historic shipbuilding industry. He noted that it would help balance shipbuilding across the Union and create jobs and prosperity. The contract also represents a significant step in bringing shipbuilding back to Belfast, where the last naval vessel, MV Anvil Point, was launched in 2002.

Revitalizing Northern Ireland’s Economy

The announcement of this contract is a welcome boost for Northern Ireland, where the shipbuilding industry has faced challenges in recent years. The Prime Minister’s recent visit to Harland & Wolff underscored the government’s commitment to revitalizing this sector. The contract will not only create jobs but also provide training opportunities for the next generation of shipbuilders. Harland & Wolff plans to establish a welding academy to train 300 new welders during the contract period.

John Wood, Group CEO of Harland & Wolff, expressed optimism about the future of shipbuilding in Belfast. He highlighted that this program would significantly enhance the company’s export opportunities and ensure the long-term survival of the shipyards. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, also praised the contract as fantastic news for the region, reinforcing Belfast’s status as a key player in the shipbuilding industry.

Production for the new support ships is expected to commence in 2025, with improvements to the shipyards starting immediately. All three vessels are projected to be operational by 2032. This ambitious project not only aims to bolster the UK’s naval capabilities but also to foster economic growth and job creation in Northern Ireland, ensuring a bright future for the shipbuilding industry.