Spain’s Navantia saves iconic Belfast shipyard Harland & Wolff

Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff has been rescued by a Spanish rival in a deal that saves 1,000 jobs.

The Belfast company famed for building the Titanic plunged into administration in September for the second time in five years.

It has now been bought by Spanish state-owned business Navantia, which secured a £1.6billion contract in 2022 to build three ships for the Royal Navy with Harland & Wolff.

The Government agreed to amend that contract, which Navantia was pushing to improve.

Rescue: Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff plunged into administration in September for the second time in five years

The rescue secures 1,000 jobs at four shipyards – one in Belfast, two in Scotland and one in England.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: ‘This is a major vote of confidence which will not only secure the future of UK shipbuilding but protect 1,000 jobs. 

It will guarantee sovereign shipbuilding capability to bolster our Navy and ensure the industry can continue to deliver economic growth and boost coastal communities.’

Defence Secretary John Healey added: ‘It strengthens our sovereign capability to support Royal Navy operations worldwide.’

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