Harland and Wolff shipyard that built the Titanic saved from closure along with 79 jobs

UK firm infrastructure rescued shipbuilder from collapse and vows to add hundreds more jobs in vote of confidence for Northern Irish economy after Brexit

The shipyard's yellow cranes have been a staple feature of Belfast's skyline for a generation (PA)

A historic Belfast shipyard that built the Titanic has been saved from closure by a £6m rescue takeover.

Harland and Wolff has been bought by energy infrastructure specialist InfraStrata. The deal protects all 79 jobs at the Belfast yard, and InfraStrata said it plans to add hundreds more jobs in the coming years.

InfraStrata chief executive John Wood said: “Harland and Wolff is a landmark asset and its reputation as one of the finest multipurpose fabrication facilities in Europe is testament to its highly skilled team in Belfast.”

He add that InfraStrata has demonstrated its commitment to the Northern Irish economy, “particularly in the post-Brexit era“.

The rescue comes as a relief for workers who had occupied the yard to protest in July, days before Harland and Wolff went into administration.

At its height, the shipyard employed 30,000 people but the workforce dwindled to around 125 by the time administrators were called in, at which point a number of staff accepted voluntary redundancy.

Remaining staff are expected to return to work within the next few days and will keep their existing contracts, meaning they do not lose any rights.

Unions hailed the news, with GMB organiser Denise Walker praising the workers for taking control of the situation.

“This news proves they were absolutely correct in their assertions that this was a yard with a future,” Ms Walker said.

”Not prepared to watch their yard mothballed or picked over by asset strippers, workers took the brave decision to stand together to save their jobs for the current workforce and for generations yet to come.”

Harland and Wolff is famed for building the White Star liner Titanic which struck an iceberg in the Atlantic on its maiden voyage in 1912. The company was also a major supplier of warships during World War II.

Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith welcomed the deal.

“I firmly believe that the shipyard has a promising future and that InfraStrata's plans present an exciting opportunity for both Belfast and Northern Ireland's manufacturing and energy sectors,” he said.

Harland and Wolff staff will begin working on InfraStrata's proposed underground gas storage facility at Islandmagee in Co Antrim.