Approximately 900 shipyard jobs at Harland & Wolff are to be created in what has been described as an "historic moment for shipbuilding in Belfast".

The shipyard located in Queen's Island was awarded the contract from the UK MoD as part of the Team Resolute consortium to deliver the Fleet Solid Support programme (FSS) of three vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The consortium comprises Harland and Wolff, BMT and Navantia UK.

On a visit to the shipyard, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed the £1.6 billion contract which will see the FSS ships serve the requirements of the Royal Navy.

More from BelfastLive on the contract to assemble the newbuilds in Belfast following construction at H&W Appledore and Navantia's shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.