The 1,742nd and last vessel likely to be built at Harland and Wolff shipyard was officially named yesterday. The shipbuilders will now develop a specialty in engineering services such as ship repairs and business linked to the energy sector.
The 22,000-tonne Anvil Point, the second of two roll-on roll-off ferries built for an English shipping consortium, Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd, was named by Mrs Wendy Parker, wife of consortium member, Mr Michael Parker, in a champagne ceremony at the yard which was the best-known in the world in its heyday.
Harland and Wolff's chief executive, Mr Bill Alexander, commented on the passing of an era: "Today is full of mixed emotion for all of us as it is likely to be the last new-build ship delivered from Harland and Wolff in the immediate future."
He insisted it did not mean the end of the company.
"It marks a new chapter in the company's history as we adapt to new markets and reposition ourselves as a successful engineering services company."
The company's role as a leading shipbuilder effectively came to an end last year when the workforce was slashed to little more than 100.
Its order book is empty and there is little prospect of any more ships being commissioned.
The yard hit its peaks during the 1920s and the second World War when it employed 35,000 people.
The current core workforce of just 200 will be reduced to 130 by the end of March.
Famous ships to have been built at the shipyard include the Titanic, HMS Belfast which is now moored on the Thames in London, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle and the Canberra.
Harland and Wolff's massive landmark cranes, Sampson and Goliath, visible from all over Belfast and for many miles beyond, will be retained.
The building dock is also required, as will 80 acres of the harbour site.