Samson and Goliath, the iconic yellow gantry cranes at Harland & Wolff in Belfast, are set for a £3.1 million refurbishment by owners Navantia UK. The comprehensive modernisation will see the cranes at their busiest for many years.
Refurbishment details
The engines of both cranes will be overhauled, and their catenary cables, which supply power, will be replaced. Engineers will also make structural and electrical repairs to both cranes.
Work has already begun on Goliath, the older of the two cranes, built in 1969 with a height of 96 metres. Once complete, the refurbishment will move to Samson, installed in 1974 with a height of 106 metres, closer to the sea.
Capacity and context
Each crane is capable of lifting 840 tonnes – equivalent to four Boeing 747 jumbo jets. The work is part of a £98.5 million recapitalisation of Harland & Wolff Belfast, preparing the yard for naval and commercial shipbuilding projects.
Harland & Wolff has begun a programme to build three fleet solid support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which will provide supplies to naval ships at sea and will be the second largest vessels in the armed forces behind the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Manager's statement
Carlos Lopez Carregado, general manager at Harland & Wolff, described Samson and Goliath as “symbols of Belfast”.
“We know that the city is proud of them, and this major mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fabric maintenance project will restore them to their absolute best,” he said.
“We will be replacing parts, updating technology and testing them to see that they can lift at full capacity, and we will be treating them with utmost respect.”
“The cranes are sophisticated pieces of machinery capable of carrying enormous weight. They will need all of their strength to lift blocks for the fleet solid support vessels, and for future ships which we anticipate building in Belfast. You can expect to see Samson and Goliath swing into action soon – they are about to be at their busiest for many years.”
