Appledore Shipyard acquired by Spanish firm

Appledore Shipyard has been acquired by the Spanish state-owned defence contractor Navantia as part of its commercial deal to buy all four of Harland and Wolff's shipyards, following the British shipbuilder's collapse earlier this year.

This means 1,000 UK jobs are now secured as shipbuilder Navantia UK agrees a commercial deal to purchase Harland & Wolff.

The deal, backed by the UK Government, secures the future of all four Harland & Wolff shipyards in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Devon, retaining the proud role of shipbuilding in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "This agreement keeps vital defence manufacturing in the UK and protects skilled jobs at historic shipyards across our nations.

"It strengthens our sovereign capability to support Royal Navy operations worldwide, while building the industrial partnerships that will drive growth."

The exact sum paid for H&W’s assets was not immediately disclosed, but the Gazette understands from The Guardian that it had been widely reported to be £70m. 

The acquisition has been welcomed by the GMB Union, which represents workers at Appledore.

Jake Mclean, GMB Regional Organiser, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, which he says will bring stability and security to the workforce at Appledore. 

He commented: “This is great news for GMB members working at Appledore in the run up to Christmas.

“We have been fully engaged with the company to ensure that jobs, skills and the yard are protected for the future.

“The announcement today closes the door on six months of uncertainty for our members and is a positive step in the right direction.

Mr Mclean also called on the Government to ensure a continuous flow of work at the yard, highlighting Appledore's role as a key asset in the implementation of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. 

“GMB is now calling on the Government to ensure a steady drumbeat of work, with Appledore a key asset in implementing the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” he said.

Navantia has been approached for further comment on the acquisition.