The H&W Yard
Since 1861, everyone knew that if you wanted high quality, luxurious and
sea-worthy ships, faithfully constructed to the owner's specifications,
then you wanted a ship built by Harland & Wolff (H&W) of Belfast.
Their ships were unsurpassed in modern technology and naval architecture;
large scale design and construction being a speciality.
In 1870, the White Star Line signed its first contract with the H&W
shipyard. By 1910, H&W had built more than 75 ships for this one exclusive
client.
Uniquely, the two companies had something of a gentlemen's agreement when
dealing with each other. H&W enjoyed free rein to produce the ultimate
in luxury cruise liners without having to tender for the work. White Star
never worried that the ships produced would be anything other than the best
that could possibly be achieved.
Thus was H&W engaged to build the Olympic, and her sister ships- Titanic
and Gigantic.