Backed by its new owner, InfraStrata, Harland & Wolff (H&W) is to offer its expertise to five distinct businesses, one of which is the cruise and ferry sector.
The Belfast-based company has two of the largest drydocks in Europe and one of only two docks licensed for marine waste disposal in the UK.
H&W generates revenue from the fabrication, repair, conversion, recycling and support services for all types of ships, including cruise ships and ferries/ropaxes.
Importantly, it has the only drydock in the UK capable of accommodating large cruise vessels, the company claimed.
Clive Richardson, InfraStrata Chairman, said: “We live in unprecedented times. Just like any other business, we are not immune to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the company’s management is currently focused on cash preservation, we have our eyes firmly set on the future.
“When the lockdown is lifted, we expect to put in place a series of contracts at Harland & Wolff. Commodities and people will start moving again in the coming weeks and months. Marine transportation, the only economically viable method of moving goods and people around in large quantities and numbers, respectively, will become even more important as our government seeks to stabilise our economy. As a key strategic infrastructure asset, we are ready to service our clients and bring them up to full operational capacity in support of our government’s economic objectives.
“We have opened up Harland & Wolff to provide six services to five unique sectors – defence, cruise & ferry, commercial, oil & gas and renewables. Our business model is all-encompassing. The size and flexibility of Harland & Wolff lends itself to providing the simplest of repair services through to complex offshore fabrication and shipbuilding.
“Harland & Wolff has a long history, yet we function as a start-up by being nimble, quick and flexible. Our disruptive business model has already been welcomed by our clients with repeat business, which is one of the most important metrics for the future success of Harland & Wolff. Our ownership of the yard has seen a positive start, providing us with a solid platform on which to build over the next 12 months,” he concluded.
Down the years, H&W has undertaken many regular Irish Sea ferry/ropax refits and conversions and has also handled major cruise ship refurbishment projects.
