**Overhaul for Belfast Cranes Ahead of Major Defence Contract**
The Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast is set to invest £3 million in refurbishing its iconic yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath. This refurbishment is part of a broader investment plan totaling nearly £100 million, as the shipyard's Spanish owners, Navantia, prepare for a significant defence contract with the Royal Navy.
The Harland and Wolff shipyard is designated as the integration and final assembly site for three Royal Navy support ships under the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme. The refurbishment of the cranes, which are a prominent feature of the east Belfast skyline, will involve overhauling their engines and replacing various key components to ensure they can operate at full capacity.
Carlos Lopez Carregado, General Manager at Harland and Wolff, expressed the company's commitment to treating the cranes with the utmost respect, acknowledging the pride the local community holds for these structures. "This major mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and fabric maintenance project will restore them to their absolute best," he stated. The refurbishment will include the replacement of parts, updates to technology, and thorough testing to confirm their lifting capabilities.
Navantia, a state-owned shipbuilder from Spain, acquired Harland and Wolff in January 2025 and has since made significant investments in the Belfast facility. These investments have included expanding the fabrication hall and installing advanced plasma cutting equipment, enhancing the shipyard's operational capacity.
Work on the FSS project is already progressing at other Navantia sites located in Spain and Devon. The ships are being constructed in blocks, which are scheduled to be transported to Belfast by barge for final assembly. The first blocks for the RFA Resurgent, one of the three support ships, are expected to arrive in Belfast in early 2027.
The refurbishment of the cranes and the ongoing investments signal a revitalization of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, which has a storied history in shipbuilding. The enhancements aim not only to prepare the facility for upcoming contracts but also to ensure that it remains a vital part of the local economy and a symbol of Belfast's industrial heritage.
As the shipyard gears up for this significant undertaking, the local community and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and contribute to the future of shipbuilding in Belfast.