The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has visited the Harland & Wolff shipyard to observe the significant transformation of the historic site under the ownership of Navantia UK.

The visit comes just over a year since the company acquired the yard and launched its ambitious plans to modernise the facility for the future.

During the tour, the Secretary of State inspected newly extended fabrication facilities and met with the yard's workforce, which now numbers nearly 500, including 93 apprentices. The visit highlighted how a recapitalisation programme, supported by over £90 million of investment, is turning the Belfast site into a technology-enabled hub for naval shipbuilding.

Key upgrades at the yard include a 5,000 square metre extension and the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotic cutting systems, a mechanised panel line, and automated quality control processes. These enhancements are designed to improve precision and productivity, strengthening the UK's sovereign industrial capacity.

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The revitalisation of the yard is also providing a significant boost to the local economy. Navantia UK is collaborating with a wide range of Northern Ireland-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for infrastructure and operational needs. Recent contracts have benefited local firms in sectors such as steel supply, construction, and site services, supporting dozens of specialist roles.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn expressed his support for the progress: "I'm hugely impressed by the progress Navantia has made since its takeover of Harland & Wolff, breathing new life into this historic Belfast shipbuilding institution. Meeting the talented young apprentices and skilled workers, viewing the expanded facilities and hearing how Harland & Wolff is boosting the Northern Ireland supply chain while delivering on the Fleet Solid Support Programme shows this deal is delivering on its promise while benefitting the local economy."

The Secretary of State was also updated on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme. Manufacturing activity for the project is currently underway across Belfast, Appledore, and Methil, with early-stage production and test blocks helping to prepare the Belfast yard for full-scale delivery.

Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, commented: "We are building something long-term in Belfast: a modern shipyard with the cutting-edge technology, a highly skilled workforce and a resilient local supply chain. Our investment is not just in infrastructure, but in people and partnerships. By working closely with local businesses, we are strengthening the regional economy as well as sovereign industrial capability in the UK."

Mr Martínez added that the company's focus remains on maintaining momentum as the FSS programme moves from design to production, ensuring the shipyard is equipped to deliver future generations of Royal Navy vessels.