Harland & Wolff to overhaul Belfast shipyard cranes

Harland & Wolff is to invest GBP 3 million (EUR 3.47 million) in a major refurbishment of its landmark Samson and Goliath cranes as part of a wider programme of upgrades linked to the Royal Navy's Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.

The crane overhaul forms part of almost GBP 100 million (approximately EUR 115.60 million) of investment being made at the Belfast shipyard by its owner, Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia. The yard will act as the integration and final assembly site for three Fleet Solid Support vessels being built for the Royal Navy.

The refurbishment will include overhauls of the cranes' engines, replacement of key mechanical components and upgrades to electrical, hydraulic and control systems. The work is intended to ensure the cranes can continue operating at full lifting capacity when assembly work begins on the support ships.

Carlos Lopez Carregado, general manager at Harland & Wolff, said the project would preserve one of Belfast's most recognisable industrial assets while preparing the yard for future work. He said: "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. We will be replacing parts, updating technology and testing them to see that they can lift at full capacity."

Navantia has already invested in expanding fabrication facilities at the yard and installing new plasma-cutting equipment. Construction of the support ships is under way at Navantia facilities in Spain and Devon, with hull blocks due to be transported to Belfast by barge for final assembly. The first blocks for RFA Resurgent are expected to arrive in early 2027.