New era for Harland & Wolff as Navantia launches major modernization works

The new owner of the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Navantia UK, has initiated significant modernization work for the shipyard.

This significant upgrade, funded by a substantial increase to the original budget for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) contract, is expected to enhance the shipyard’s capabilities and technological infrastructure.

Navantia UK is currently building three vessels for the UK Ministry of Defence as part of this contract. In October 2024, the company completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the project.

As prime contractor, Navantia UK has overseen the activity to ensure the integration of all program facets, including scheduling, procurement and production engineering.

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.

After the acquisition of Harland & Wolff in January 2025, Navantia UK announced an increase of the £78 million plan included in the FSS program. The civil works associated with this investment, which had been temporarily paused in recent months, resumed in March.

“This investment marks a watershed moment for UK shipbuilding. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage with Navantia’s global expertise and cutting-edge technology, we are creating a world-class facility capable of delivering the next generation of naval vessels. This modernisation programme represents our long-term commitment to UK sovereign capability, and to the revival of shipbuilding across the UK,” Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK, said.

Specifically, the modernization centers on three key principles: maximizing productivity, creating skilled jobs, and implementing sustainable manufacturing. Phase one will focus on enhancing capabilities for building vessel hulls, with improvements to delivery systems, stockyard management, and cutting technologies, according to Navantia.

This comprehensive upgrade includes both infrastructure development and advanced equipment installation—featuring new lifting cranes, robotic plasma cutting systems, and automated quality control processes. A fully mechanized panel line for flat panel units will be installed, while the shipyard’s iconic Samson and Goliath gantry cranes will continue to play a vital role in operations.

Navantia UK’s investment strategy also encompasses Appledore shipyard in Devon, and Scottish facilities at Arnish and Methil.

The FSS program marks the beginning of Navantia UK’s investment to revitalize Belfast’s naval shipbuilding tradition. This revival will be achieved through technical knowledge transfer from Navantia’s Spanish operations.