Navantia UK has appointed Balloo Hire Centre, part of the Briggs Group, as its preferred hire equipment supplier for the Fleet Solid Support programme at its Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, under a service-level agreement covering 2026 to 2028, according to the company.
The agreement secures competitive rates over the period with annual reviews and provides flexibility to scale support in line with operational demand. Navantia UK expects a minimum of £1 million in spend during 2026, with that figure anticipated to increase as activity ramps up across the FSS build.
Under the agreement, Balloo Hire Centre will supply a broad range of equipment to support day-to-day operations at the yard, including electric-powered cherry pickers, forklifts, compressors and scissor lifts, supporting Navantia UK’s efforts to reduce on-site carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency.
Ryan Smith, Procurement Officer at Harland and Wolff, said the appointment was “a strong example of how we are embedding local businesses into the delivery of the FSS programme” and that the agreement gave the yard “the flexibility and capability we need as activity accelerates in Belfast, while also supporting our ambition to reduce emissions on site through greater use of electric equipment.” He said Navantia UK was committed to “building a resilient, locally rooted supply chain that supports jobs, skills and long-term industrial capability in Northern Ireland.”
Jordan Douglas, Major Projects Manager at Balloo Hire Centre, said the firm was proud to continue supporting operations at the yard, describing the agreement as reflecting “the strength of our long-standing relationship and our ability to deliver reliable, responsive support at scale” and noting the company had invested significantly in expanding its fleet of electric-powered equipment to help customers meet their operational and sustainability goals.
The appointment is part of Navantia UK’s wider local-first procurement approach, building on its work with Northern Ireland suppliers to support the revitalisation of the Harland and Wolff shipyard and ensure the FSS programme delivers economic benefits across the region.
