Navantia UK, a subsidiary of Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, is in discussions with Harland & Wolff, a historic British shipbuilding and fabrication company, to acquire its operations across four sites: Belfast in Northern Ireland, Appledore in the South West of England and Methil and Arnish in Scotland.
As per Navantia, the deal, which remains subject to completion and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in January 2025, will enhance UK’s shipbuilding, defense and offshore wind industry capabilities, developing both a “highly skilled workforce and a robust British supply chain.”
As the prime contractor for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) program, Navantia UK leads the construction of three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to support the Royal Navy’s UK Carrier Strike Group. These vessels will be built across facilities in Belfast, Appledore and Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain. The integration of Harland & Wolff’s facilities will, reportedly, ensure seamless delivery of the FSS ships by minimizing program risks and streamlining construction.
Navantia UK commended the UK government’s commitment to the FSS program, stating that it welcomes the opportunity to build upon Harland & Wolff’s heritage. The company claimed it will work diligently to deliver “this essential capability for the Royal Navy whilst strengthening Britain’s defence and industrial base for the long term.”
To remind, in October 2024, the UK’s FSS program achieved its first major milestone with the completion of the preliminary design review (PDR). The next phase will focus on detailed design, heading towards the start of construction in 2025, as scheduled.
FSS ships will be the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s modern solid stores replenishment ships, which will deliver crucial munitions, supplies and provisions to the Royal Navy while at sea. As disclosed, they will also be central to logistical and operational support, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions and will collaborate with allies on operations around the world.