Founded in 1861 by Sir Edward James Harland and Gustav Wilhelm Wolff in Belfast, we have grown into a multisite business that spans three UK nations and with our heart very much in Northern Ireland.
Harland & Wolff collaborates with suppliers and partners internationally and operates two of the largest drydocks in Europe as well as one of the UK’s largest fabrication footprints. From our earliest days, our portfolio includes work on some of history’s most iconic ships, including the famous RMS Titanic, RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic, as well as the SS Canberra for P&O and the Myrina tanker – the first supertanker built in the UK. Now, Harland & Wolff uses its rich heritage, highly skilled workforce and unique facilities to capitalise on opportunities across the maritime and offshore industry through a five-market strategic approach.
The company combines operational sites in Appledore (North Devon), Arnish (West Scotland), Methil (East Scotland), and Tampa (Florida, USA) with three commercial offices in Aberdeen, London and Southampton – but it all started for us in Belfast, where we pride ourselves in investing in the community.
With a 163-year history behind us, we have evolved into a strategic infrastructure operator and developer that is working hard to support the UK Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy through investment into developing staff, capacity and communities across our four strategic locations in the UK and Northern Ireland. From Appledore to Arnish, Harland & Wolff is a key operator in UK shipbuilding and heavy fabrication with a business strategy of diversified operations that has seen it win projects across five distinct markets: defence, cruise & ferry, commercial maritime, energy and renewables. The delivery of this five-market strategy is underpinning more than 1,500 jobs and driving sustained growth.
Harland & Wolff embeds social value in all of our work, recognising the importance of contributing to the local economy and community with a sustainable future for all. We are committed to not just industry leading solutions, but also meaningful social and economic benefits to Northern Ireland, ensuring that our growth and success positively impact society.
With our historic shipyard in Belfast witnessing a major rejuvenation, we are committed to playing our part in the future success of Northern Irish industry and wider economy.
Along with expanding the company, over the past year we have announced a string of significant contract wins from the Fleet Solid Support ship programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, to the SeaRose FPSO, to the Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise ship, all of which saw our workforce swell to 2500 at key points. We are excited about Harland & Wolff’s future and are committed to playing our part in the future success of this most important of national industries.
