Menu
31/01/2003
H&W benefit from £2.9bn aircraft carrier contract
Harland & Wolff are set to benefit from a £2.9 billion contract to build two new massive aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.
The Minister of Defence have awarded the contracts to UK defence giant BAE Systems and French firm, Thales, saying that both organisations should utilise their own particular strengths in completing the contract.
H&W, who tabled an original bid alongside Thales, said they were "confident and optimistic" in playing a major role in the design of the ships.
Around 10,000 jobs are to be created across numerous UK shipyards. However, while no new jobs are likely to be created at H&W, the 70 or so design jobs at the Belfast shipyard are now secured.
Work on the project is to begin next year and will last around two years.
The two 950ft-long, 60,000-tonne carriers will be the biggest British warships ever built. They will replace the Royal Navy's three existing carriers, Illustrious, Invincible and Ark Royal.
Meanwhile, H&W and an American oil company have reached a settlement in their long-running dispute over work carried out by the Belfast shipyard on the second of two drill ships.
The dispute centred on work carried out by H&W for US firm GlobalSantaFe. H&W said the vessel was ready for delivery, but Global Marine refused to accept the ship, saying that it was not completed to its satisfaction.
The settlement includes a minimum payment to H&W of £53.6 million and a possible final settlement of up to £70 million.
(MB)
The Minister of Defence have awarded the contracts to UK defence giant BAE Systems and French firm, Thales, saying that both organisations should utilise their own particular strengths in completing the contract.
H&W, who tabled an original bid alongside Thales, said they were "confident and optimistic" in playing a major role in the design of the ships.
Around 10,000 jobs are to be created across numerous UK shipyards. However, while no new jobs are likely to be created at H&W, the 70 or so design jobs at the Belfast shipyard are now secured.
Work on the project is to begin next year and will last around two years.
The two 950ft-long, 60,000-tonne carriers will be the biggest British warships ever built. They will replace the Royal Navy's three existing carriers, Illustrious, Invincible and Ark Royal.
Meanwhile, H&W and an American oil company have reached a settlement in their long-running dispute over work carried out by the Belfast shipyard on the second of two drill ships.
The dispute centred on work carried out by H&W for US firm GlobalSantaFe. H&W said the vessel was ready for delivery, but Global Marine refused to accept the ship, saying that it was not completed to its satisfaction.
The settlement includes a minimum payment to H&W of £53.6 million and a possible final settlement of up to £70 million.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
21 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Mike Nesbitt Pays Tribute To Ken Reid Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Ken Reid, the veteran journalist who has passed away after a long period of ill health. The Minister said: "I want to first and foremost express my deepest condolences to Ken’s wife Liz, his children and grandchildren and the whole family circle.
Other News In Brief
Mike Nesbitt Pays Tribute To Ken Reid Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Ken Reid, the veteran journalist who has passed away after a long period of ill health. The Minister said: "I want to first and foremost express my deepest condolences to Ken’s wife Liz, his children and grandchildren and the whole family circle.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
