Harland and Wolff, known for constructing the Titanic, entered administration in September for the second time in five years. The company is part of a consortium that recently won a significant UK contract to build a new fleet of solid support ships for the Royal Navy, with Navantia UK serving as the main contractor.

The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will safeguard 1,000 jobs across Harland and Wolff’s four shipyards: Belfast, Methil in Scotland, Arnish on the Isle of Lewis, and Appledore in north Devon. Existing terms and conditions for workers will remain intact under the agreement.

The UK government has also amended its contract with Navantia to ensure the successful delivery of all three Navy vessels.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called the deal “a major vote of confidence in the UK from Navantia,” highlighting its role in securing the future of UK shipbuilding and protecting vital jobs.