Navantia Hails Investment Programme At H&W Sites

Navantia has begun a major modernisation programme at its newly acquired Harland & Wolff sites as it continues work on the programme to produce new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels for the Royal Navy.

The firm has revealed in a recent press statement that civil works — which had paused after H&W went into administration — restarted last month.

At the same time the U.K. arm of the Spanish shipbuilder is carrying out extensive modernisation works at the H&W sites, which include shipyards in Belfast, Northern Ireland; in Appledore, Devon, England; and in Arnish on the Isle of Lewis and in Methil in Fife, both in Scotland.

H&W had previously won a Royal Navy contract to build three new FSS vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Construction work on the first FSS vessel is scheduled to begin this year, and all three ships are due to be operational by 2032.

CEO of Navantia UK Juan de la Cueva commented: “This investment marks a watershed moment for U.K. shipbuilding. By combining Harland & Wolff's proud heritage with Navantia's global expertise and cutting-edge technology, we are creating a world-class facility capable of delivering the next generation of naval vessels.

“This modernisation programme represents our long-term commitment to U.K. sovereign capability, and to the revival of shipbuilding across the U.K.”

The new FSS ships' main role will be to support the U.K. Carrier Strike Group, taking on a replenishment role  for the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and its destroyers and frigates.

The 216-metre vessels will also offer joint operations logistical support, including anti-piracy missions. They will have a range of 11,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of about 19 knots.

Navantia U.K. said its modernisation plans represented a major extension of the £78 million plan included in the FSS programme contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence.

It said the upgrades would include “cutting-edge robotics and automation systems” and streamlined production methods, securing 600 existing Belfast jobs and potentially creating more high-skilled roles including positions in computer-aided design, manufacturing, and digital systems integration.

• You can read more details on the Navantia UK website