MOD confirms Harland & Wolff assessed fit to deliver

The government has confirmed that Harland & Wolff’s capacity to contribute to Royal Navy shipbuilding was assessed before the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) contract was awarded, according to a written answer in the House of Lords on 1 October.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick asked what assessment had been made of the Belfast yard’s ability to construct warships.

Responding, Defence Minister Lord Coaker said the FSS competition was designed to ensure British shipbuilders could play a central role, with the award ultimately going to Navantia UK, which included Harland & Wolff as a strategic subcontractor.

Lord Coaker stated:

“The build strategy was, and remains, that all three ships will be assembled from blocks manufactured in H&W’s shipyards in the UK and Navantia’s shipyards in Spain. Final assembly, systems integration and testing of the ships is planned to take place in Belfast.”

He added that the programme required around £100 million of investment in the Belfast yard to recapitalise facilities and transfer skills and technology. The Ministry of Defence concluded that Harland & Wolff was capable of meeting its responsibilities, with Navantia UK responsible for managing subcontractors under the prime contract.

Since Harland & Wolff’s insolvency earlier this year, Navantia UK has taken over its four shipyards. Coaker noted that work to modernise the Belfast yard has now resumed, strengthening UK capacity and productivity in naval construction.