Harland and Wolff has announced a multi-million pound contract to build two off-shore stations for a windfarm in Wales, with 40 new jobs expected to be created.
Global electronics manufacturer Siemens have contracted the Belfast firm to design and build two sub-station platforms for the Gwynt y Môr wind farm off the coast of north Wales.
Robert Cooper, Harland and Wolff Chief Executive, said the project will secure jobs and have a positive impact on the industry in Northern Ireland.
"We will certainly secure the jobs we currently have in the shops," he told UTV.
"We will probably have recruitment of somewhere between 30 to 40 people and on top of that there will be a major impact on the supply chain.
"A number of sub-contractors and suppliers can feed into this contract."
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the contract shows Harland and Wolff's growing presence in the global manufacturing industry.
"This is a significant contract win for Harland and Wolff as it continues to build its presence as a key player in global renewable energy markets," she says.
"Northern Ireland's strong knowledge base, skilled engineering capability and favourable geographical location will result in significant opportunities for local firms throughout the manufacturing supply chain to win business in an emerging offshore wind sector valued at over £100bn."
The Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm is being developed 13km off the Welsh coast by a group of companies including RWE Innogy, SWM - Municipal Utility Munich and Siemens.
The Harland and Wolff platforms will be used to house the equipment for transforming wind power generated by the turbines, which is then transmitted to a sub-station at St Asaph in northern Wales.
Mr Cooper continued: "It clearly demonstrates our continuing development as part of the UK supply chain for marine renewable energy.
"Our project goals are to make the design and build process frictionless for Siemens and to ultimately provide the operator, RWE Innogy, with a robust and durable offshore platform, built safely, on time and to budget.
"A considerable number of these platforms are required to meet the Government's 2020 targets, giving substantial opportunities in the near future."
Harland and Wolff project manager Trevor McCormick said: "This is a substantial project that will be the focus of our attention over the next two years.
"The project was secured due to a number of factors including the commitment demonstrated by all areas of the company during the tendering phase; we fully intend carrying this enthusiasm and dedication through to completion."
East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long says the contract indicates the massive potential Northern Ireland has in relation to the green economy.
"This is brilliant news for the company and for east Belfast . This announcement shows that where we get involved in sustainability, there are real opportunities to grow our innovation base and manufacturing base", she said.
© UTV News