A major refurbishment project is underway for Belfast’s iconic Harland & Wolff cranes, Samson and Goliath, signalling a new chapter for the shipyard. With a hefty investment of £3.1 million from Navantia UK, the cranes will undergo essential modernisation, ensuring their operational efficiency for the years ahead.
Revitalising Belfast’s Iconic Cranes
The renowned yellow gantry cranes, towering over Belfast’s docks, are set to receive significant upgrades. Goliath, built in 1969, has already entered the overhaul phase, while plans for Samson, which was installed in 1974, will follow shortly after. These refurbishments include a complete engine overhaul and the replacement of catenary cables, which are crucial for their power supply. Engineers will also undertake vital structural and electrical repairs to enhance the cranes’ functionality.
Standing at 96 metres and 106 metres respectively, both cranes boast an impressive lifting capacity of 840 tonnes—enough to hoist four Boeing 747s. This restoration effort is part of a larger £98.5 million recapitalisation plan for the Harland & Wolff shipyard, aimed at preparing the facility for upcoming naval and commercial shipbuilding projects.
A New Era for Shipbuilding
The revitalisation of Samson and Goliath comes as Harland & Wolff embarks on an ambitious programme to construct three fleet solid support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. These vessels are designed to supply the naval fleet at sea and will rank among the largest in the British armed forces, second only to the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Carlos Lopez Carregado, the general manager at Harland & Wolff, emphasised the cranes’ significance to the city: “Samson and Goliath are symbols of Belfast. This extensive maintenance project will ensure they are restored to their absolute best, ready to support our future shipbuilding ambitions.”
Community Sentiment and Future Prospects
The refurbishment is not merely a technical upgrade; it carries immense sentimental value for the local community. The cranes have long been emblematic of Belfast’s industrial heritage, and their restoration is seen as a commitment to the city’s shipbuilding legacy. Once revitalised, they are expected to be at their busiest in years, contributing to the construction of vital naval assets.
Lopez Carregado outlined the importance of the cranes in the context of upcoming projects: “They will need all of their strength to lift blocks for the fleet solid support vessels and for future ships we anticipate building in Belfast. You can expect to see Samson and Goliath swing into action soon.”
Why it Matters
The refurbishment of Samson and Goliath is more than a mere upgrade; it represents a pivotal investment in Belfast’s shipbuilding future. As Harland & Wolff prepares for significant naval contracts, the revitalisation of these historic cranes highlights a commitment to marrying tradition with modern technology. This project not only preserves an important part of Belfast’s heritage but also positions the city as a key player in the future of maritime construction, potentially revitalising the local economy and creating jobs in the process.