Full Breakdown
Refurbishment of Belfast’s Iconic Harland & Wolff Cranes
8/19/2026, 9:25:31 PM
Core Event
Harland & Wolff’s two yellow gantry cranes—Samson and Goliath—are undergoing a major refurbishment to restore them to full operational capacity. The overhaul, funded by the shipyard’s Spanish owners Navicula UK, involves mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and structural work, including engine overhauls and replacement of the catenary power cables. Work has already begun on the older crane, Goliath, with Samson scheduled to follow.
Background & Context
The cranes, installed in 1969 (Goliath) and 1974 (Samson), dominate the east Belfast skyline and have become symbols of the city’s industrial heritage. After decades of limited use—the last ship built with them was in 2003—the yard was acquired by Navicula UK in January 2025. The refurbishment is part of a broader recapitalisation of the Belfast site, aimed at supporting a £1.6 billion Royal Fleet Auxiliary contract to build three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels, the second-largest ships in the Royal Navy after the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.
Data & Statistics
- Refurbishment cost: reported as £3 million and £3.1 million (Independent, Irish News, CraneBriefing).
- Lifting capacity: most sources list 840 tonnes per crane; CraneBriefing cites Samson’s capacity as 900 tonnes.
- Height: Goliath stands 96 m (315 ft); Samson stands 106 m (348 ft).
- Investment in yard: nearly £100 million total recapitalisation, including new cutting equipment and expanded fabrication facilities.
- Workforce: 450 employees currently, projected to rise to 1,500 by 2030.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the upgrades will enable the cranes to lift blocks for the FSS vessels and future commercial ships. Navicula UK has indicated that the refurbishment will prepare the yard for an anticipated increase in UK defence spending and additional contracts under the government’s £298 billion Defence Investment Plan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cost figures: Sources differ between £3 million and £3.1 million for the crane overhaul.
- Lifting capacity: While most outlets state each crane can lift 840 tonnes, CraneBriefing lists Samson’s capacity at 900 tonnes.
- Timeline specifics: CraneBriefing notes Goliath is expected back in service toward the end of 2026 and Samson in early 2027, but other sources do not provide exact dates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Samson and Goliath are symbols of Belfast.” — General Manager, at Harland & Wolff
What’s Next
Navicula UK plans to complete Goliath’s refurbishment by late 2026, followed by Samson in early 2027, aligning with the projected arrival of the first ship-building blocks for the FSS programme. The yard’s expanded facilities and increased workforce are intended to support both the defence contract and additional commercial shipbuilding projects in the coming years.
