Balloo Hire Centre appointed as preferred equipment supplier for Belfast FSS programme
Navantia UK has appointed Balloo Hire Centre, part of the Briggs Group, as its preferred hire equipment supplier for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme at its Harland & Wolff shipyard, building on a series of recent contracts with local suppliers.
Balloo Hire Centre, a long-standing partner to the Belfast yard, will support delivery of the FSS programme under a service-level agreement covering 2026 to 2028. The agreement secures competitive rates over the period, with annual reviews, and provides flexibility to scale support in line with operational demand.
While final spend will depend on programme requirements, Navantia UK expects a minimum of £1 million in 2026, with this anticipated to increase as activity ramps up across the FSS build.
Under the agreement, Balloo Hire Centre will supply a broad range of essential equipment to support day-to-day operations at the yard. This includes expanded access to electric-powered machinery such as cherry pickers, forklifts, compressors and scissor lifts, supporting Navantia UK’s efforts to reduce on-site CO₂ emissions while enhancing operational efficiency.
The appointment delivers on Navantia UK’s wider local-first approach to procurement, building on its work with Northern Ireland suppliers to support the revitalisation of the Harland & Wolff shipyard and ensure that investment from the FSS programme delivers tangible economic benefits across the region.
Ryan Smith, Procurement Officer at Harland & Wolff, said: “Appointing Balloo Hire Centre as our preferred equipment supplier is a strong example of how we are embedding local businesses into the delivery of the FSS programme. This agreement gives us the flexibility and capability we need as activity accelerates in Belfast, while also supporting our ambition to reduce emissions on site through greater use of electric equipment. We are committed to building a resilient, locally rooted supply chain that supports jobs, skills and long-term industrial capability in Northern Ireland.”
Jordan Douglas, Major Projects Manager at Balloo Hire Centre, said: “We’re proud to continue supporting operations at the Belfast yard as part of the FSS programme. This agreement reflects the strength of our long-standing relationship and our ability to deliver reliable, responsive support at scale. We have invested significantly in expanding our fleet, particularly in electric-powered equipment, to help customers like Navantia UK meet their operational and sustainability goals. We look forward to playing our part in the next phase of activity at the yard.”
Navantia UK continues to prioritise collaboration with local partners as it delivers the FSS programme, ensuring economic value is retained within Northern Ireland while advancing sustainability and strengthening the UK’s sovereign shipbuilding capability.
