These iconic yellow cranes, famous for their role in the construction of the Titanic, will undergo a comprehensive overhaul including engine upgrades, replacement of electrical power cables, and structural repairs.
The work will take place at the Harland & Wolff (H&W) shipyards in Belfast. The Goliath crane, erected at 96 meters high in 1969, will be the first to be renovated. Subsequently, work will commence on Samson, the crane closest to the sea, installed in 1974 and reaching 106 meters. Both cranes boast an impressive lifting capacity of 840 tons each.
Carlos López Carregado, CEO of H&W, described Samson and Goliath as "symbols" of the city, assuring that the maintenance project will be carried out "with the utmost respect" to restore them to their "best condition".
The acquisition of the historic H&W shipyards by the Spanish public company Navantia was completed in 2025. This modernization is part of a 115 million euro recapitalization aimed at preparing the shipyard for future naval projects.
The necessity for this upgrade stems from the future requirement for the cranes to support the components of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels that Navantia is manufacturing in Puerto Real and other facilities. "They will need all their power to lift the blocks for the fleet's support vessels and for future ships we expect to build in Belfast," the company stated.
The first of three FSS vessels for the Royal Navy is being constructed collaboratively between Navantia's shipyards in Appledore, Harland & Wolff, and Navantia Puerto Real, with support from the Ría de Ferrol facility. These ships will provide essential supplies to the British fleet at sea.
