Harland and Wolff, the Belfast-based shipbuilder, has formally entered administration for the second time in five years.
Last week the company’s board had warned that the move was inevitable.
The administration process is confined to the holding company, Harland & Wolff Group Holdings plc, with the operational companies which run the yards continuing to trade.
Its main yard is in Belfast with other operation at Appledore in England and Methil and Arnish in Scotland.
The company’s executive chairman, Russell Downs, is optimistic that a new owner or owners will be found for the yards.