A Heritage Site Reinvented

Situated on the banks of the River Torridge in North Devon, the Appledore Shipyard has a long maritime heritage. In early 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of the shipyard (alongside three other UK yards) from Harland & Wolff Group, safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs and signalling a major industrial commitment to the UK.

What’s Changing – Strategic Investment & Contracts

Under Navantia UK’s stewardship, the shipyard is being modernised and re-purposed for high-value manufacturing. Key elements include:

• The yard will play a pivotal role in the Fleet Solid Support programme: the build of three large support vessels for the UK’s Royal Navy/Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Bow-sections are slated for production at Appledore.

• Investment in upgraded infrastructure and fabrication capability (e.g., heavy duty plasma cutting, digital workflows) driving “next-gen” ship-building operations.

• Apprenticeships and skills development: the shipyard has launched metal-fabrication apprenticeships in partnership with local colleges, to develop local talent for modern manufacturing.

Regional Impact – North Devon & the South West

For North Devon and the broader South West region, this development means:

• Job security and growth: With the acquisition completed and contract work funnelled in, many roles in ship-building, fabrication and associated supply-chain activity are now more secure.

• Skills uplift: Local educational institutions and training programmes gain impetus, enabling residents to access advanced manufacturing roles without migrating.

• Supply-chain opportunities: Local firms (engineering, logistics, services) are well-positioned to benefit as the shipyard ramps up production.

• Place-making & investment signal: The region now has a visible anchor project which enhances its industrial profile and attractiveness for further inward investment.

• Industrial-base modernisation: The transformation of a historic yard into a contemporary facility supports resilience and long-term competitiveness in manufacturing.

What to Watch

• A steady pipeline of work is crucial. The yard’s future depends on consistent contracts so as to avoid the boom-and-bust cycles that have historically affected ship-building in the region. 

• Local content and supply-chain integration will matter: ensuring that the economic benefits stay in the region rather than being imported.

• Skills matching: As production ramps, the region must ensure its workforce is up-skilled and aligned to the new manufacturing requirements.

• Diversification: While the FSS contract is a major anchor, pursuing further contracts (e.g., naval, offshore, renewables) will help insulate the region from sector-specific risk.

Conclusion

Navantia UK’s acquisition and re-investment in the Appledore Shipyard represent more than just a change of ownership they signify a renewed industrial future for North Devon and the South West. With modernised infrastructure, landmark defence contracts, and local talent initiatives in place, the region has the foundations to shift from legacy manufacturing to a high-value future. Viewed through the lens of regional economic development, this transformation is poised to deliver meaningful, long-term impact.