Administrators overseeing Harland & Wolff have raised hopes of finding a potential buyer for the closure-threatened shipyard.

“Since our appointment, there has been positive discussions with interested parties for the sale of the business as a going concern,” a spokesman today for BDO Northern Ireland said.

“It is hoped that these discussions may result in credible offers.”

Michael Jennings and Brian Murphy were earlier this month appointed as joint administrators of Harland & Wolff, which has been occupied by workers around the clock for over two weeks in a campaign to save the Belfast yard.