Menu
17/01/2003
End of an era for Harland & Wolff
The last vessel likely to be built at the Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff was officially named today.
The 22,000 tonne Anvil Point, the second of two roll-on roll-off ferries built at the yard for an English shipping consortium, Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd, was named by Mrs Wendy Parker, wife of consortium member Mr Michael Parker in a champagne ceremony in Belfast.
The completion of the Anvil Point, ship number 1,742 in the order book, represents the end of a long association between Belfast and its once renowned shipbuilding industry, which built the legendary Titanic.
Harland and Wolff chief executive Bill Alexander said: “Today is full of mixed emotion for all of us as it is likely to be the last new-build ship delivered from Harland and Wolff in the immediate future.
“But it also marks a new chapter in the company’s history as we adapt to new markets and reposition ourselves as a successful engineering services company.”
Paying tribute to the company’s employees, Mr Alexander said they deserved praise for remaining focused “despite many being faced with uncertain futures”.
The company’s role as a leading shipbuilder effectively came to an end last year when the workforce was slashed to little more than 100. Its order book is now empty and there is little prospect of any more vessels being commissioned.
The once great yard has been haemorrhaging workers for decades. It hit its peak during the Second World War when it employed 35,000 people.
The DUP’s Sammy Wilson said the news marked the end of an era for Belfast.
“An industry which has dominated the skyline of the city and has been an important part of the social and economic fabric of Belfast is sadly coming to an end,” he said.
“We can only hope that the land will be put to productive use so that the area will once again become a central economic hub for Belfast, employing the tens of thousands who once were engaged in the singular activity of building ships.”
(AMcE)
The 22,000 tonne Anvil Point, the second of two roll-on roll-off ferries built at the yard for an English shipping consortium, Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd, was named by Mrs Wendy Parker, wife of consortium member Mr Michael Parker in a champagne ceremony in Belfast.
The completion of the Anvil Point, ship number 1,742 in the order book, represents the end of a long association between Belfast and its once renowned shipbuilding industry, which built the legendary Titanic.
Harland and Wolff chief executive Bill Alexander said: “Today is full of mixed emotion for all of us as it is likely to be the last new-build ship delivered from Harland and Wolff in the immediate future.
“But it also marks a new chapter in the company’s history as we adapt to new markets and reposition ourselves as a successful engineering services company.”
Paying tribute to the company’s employees, Mr Alexander said they deserved praise for remaining focused “despite many being faced with uncertain futures”.
The company’s role as a leading shipbuilder effectively came to an end last year when the workforce was slashed to little more than 100. Its order book is now empty and there is little prospect of any more vessels being commissioned.
The once great yard has been haemorrhaging workers for decades. It hit its peak during the Second World War when it employed 35,000 people.
The DUP’s Sammy Wilson said the news marked the end of an era for Belfast.
“An industry which has dominated the skyline of the city and has been an important part of the social and economic fabric of Belfast is sadly coming to an end,” he said.
“We can only hope that the land will be put to productive use so that the area will once again become a central economic hub for Belfast, employing the tens of thousands who once were engaged in the singular activity of building ships.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
17 October 2007
'Belfast Eye' To Fly In Weeks
There’s to be more than the usual Christmas tree in front of Belfast City Hall this festive season. Work gets underway this week to erect Belfast's very own ‘Big Wheel’, which is set to rival the London Eye as a tourist attraction. The construction of the massive 60m, £3.5m wheel is underway outside the City Hall after months of delay.
'Belfast Eye' To Fly In Weeks
There’s to be more than the usual Christmas tree in front of Belfast City Hall this festive season. Work gets underway this week to erect Belfast's very own ‘Big Wheel’, which is set to rival the London Eye as a tourist attraction. The construction of the massive 60m, £3.5m wheel is underway outside the City Hall after months of delay.
19 January 2023
Harland & Wolff Belfast To Create 900 New Shipyard Jobs
Harland & Wolff Belfast are to create 900 new shipyard jobs to support the delivery of new Royal Navy ships. Team Resolute, a Harland & Wolff consortium with BMT and Navantia UK, has been awarded a £1.6 billion contract to manufacture the vessels providing munitions, stores and provisions to Royal Navy ships.
Harland & Wolff Belfast To Create 900 New Shipyard Jobs
Harland & Wolff Belfast are to create 900 new shipyard jobs to support the delivery of new Royal Navy ships. Team Resolute, a Harland & Wolff consortium with BMT and Navantia UK, has been awarded a £1.6 billion contract to manufacture the vessels providing munitions, stores and provisions to Royal Navy ships.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
04 March 2002
Character of town is crucial warns Holywood Chamber
Holywood Chamber of Trade and Commerce has warned that the unique character of Holywood must be maintained as a means of supporting its future tourism economy.
Character of town is crucial warns Holywood Chamber
Holywood Chamber of Trade and Commerce has warned that the unique character of Holywood must be maintained as a means of supporting its future tourism economy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
