Navantia UK, the new owner of the iconic Harland & Wolff shipyard, has commenced extensive modernisation works aimed at transforming the facility into one of the most advanced shipbuilding operations in the United Kingdom.

The significant investment represents a substantial increase on the funding initially planned under the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) contract, for which Navantia UK is building three vessels for the Ministry of Defence. The upgrade will significantly enhance the shipyard's capabilities and technological infrastructure.

Following its acquisition of Harland & Wolff in January 2025, Navantia UK announced an increase to the £78 million investment originally earmarked within the FSS programme. Civil works associated with this investment, which had been temporarily paused, resumed in March.

The modernisation programme is designed to greatly improve the Belfast facility's capacity to construct the FSS vessels and support future shipbuilding programmes. Initially, the transformation is expected to benefit the existing 600 roles in Belfast, with the potential for long-term workforce growth through the creation of more high-skilled jobs in areas such as computer-aided design, advanced manufacturing, and digital systems integration.

Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK, hailed the investment as a "watershed moment for UK shipbuilding." He stated, "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." The investment strategy aims to deliver a comprehensive regeneration of UK shipbuilding capabilities, capitalising on the opportunity presented by the FSS programme. This strategic approach is intended to establish lasting industrial capacity and transform the Harland & Wolff shipyard into a cutting-edge facility capable of producing high-quality vessels with improved efficiency and reduced production timelines.

The modernisation plan centres on three key principles: maximising productivity, creating skilled jobs, and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. The initial phase will focus on enhancing capabilities for building vessel hulls, including improvements to delivery systems, stockyard management, and cutting technologies.

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

The FSS programme marks the beginning of Navantia UK’s investment to revitalise Belfast’s naval shipbuilding tradition through the transfer of technical knowledge from Navantia’s Spanish operations, combined with the group’s established global shipbuilding expertise.

Navantia UK’s investment into Harland & Wolff comes at a time when both UK and European governments are increasing defence spending. The modernisation is expected to enhance UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and increase industrial capacity, strengthening the UK’s ability to deliver complex naval programmes domestically.

The investment programme extends beyond Belfast, with significant upgrades also planned for Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in Devon, where bow sections for the FSS vessels are being produced. The company has already committed to purchasing an advanced plasma cutter with expanded bed dimensions and sophisticated bevel cutting capabilities, replacing machinery that has been in service for over 20 years.

Navantia UK’s investment strategy also includes its Scottish facilities at Arnish and Methil, which specialise in the energy industries. Investment has begun at Arnish, focusing on skills development infrastructure, including a new welfare facility, a dedicated training centre, office space improvements, and enhanced security and parking provisions.