Harland & Wolff Overhauls Belfast Cranes Ahead of Major Defence Contract

Historic shipbuilder Harland & Wolff is undergoing a significant modernization of its facilities in Belfast, driven by a comprehensive investment plan from its Spanish state-owned owner, Navantia. The company is undertaking a major refurbishment, including the port's iconic Samson and Goliath cranes, as it prepares to fulfill its commitment to construct three replenishment vessels for the critical Fleet Solid Support (FSS) program for the Royal Navy. This marks Harland & Wolff's re-entry into the naval defence market after decades, signaling a major turning point for the UK's shipbuilding industry.

This substantial development began with Navantia's acquisition of Harland & Wolff's four shipyards in January 2025. Under the £1.6 billion Fleet Solid Support contract, awarded to the 'Team Resolute' consortium led by Navantia UK, approximately £160 million is being invested in the Belfast shipyard. Of this, £77 million is allocated for infrastructure improvements in Belfast and Appledore, with an additional £21 million for skills and technology transfer from Navantia UK. The refurbishment efforts include engine work and the replacement of key components for the symbolic Samson and Goliath cranes in Belfast. Goliath is slated to come online in September, with Samson following suit after similar treatment.

This strategic investment and major defence contract represent a significant financial and operational rejuvenation for Harland & Wolff. Approximately 1,200 new jobs are expected to be created, with 900 in Belfast alone, along with hundreds of opportunities for graduates and apprentices. While Harland & Wolff Group shares, trading under the symbol HARL on the London Stock Exchange, have underperformed the FTSE All Share Index over the past year, the overall analyst consensus remains a 'Strong Buy'. This reflects market expectations for the company's future potential and the positive impact of such large-scale contracts. The company's re-entry into the naval defence market will mark the first major naval vessel construction since the launch of RFA Fort Victoria in 1990.

The development aligns with the UK's broader National Shipbuilding Strategy, aimed at strengthening the nation's sovereign defence capabilities. Across Europe, rearmament efforts by Western nations have spurred a 'boom' in the shipbuilding sector, a trend from which Harland & Wolff is poised to benefit. Such large-scale defence projects not only create direct employment but also generate significant business for small and medium-sized enterprises within the local supply chain, thereby contributing broadly to the regional economy.

Market analysts and industry experts anticipate that these investments and contracts will provide Harland & Wolff with a stable workload for at least the next decade. Company leaders foresee that the Fleet Solid Support program is not a 'one-off' project, expecting additional future contracts to ensure continuity through the 2030s. The transformation of the Belfast shipyard into one of Europe's most modern shipbuilding facilities, integrating advanced technology and expanding production capacity, will position Harland & Wolff competitively both nationally and internationally. This promises to bolster the UK's maritime industrial standing and deliver long-term economic stability and growth for the region.