Overhaul for Belfast cranes ahead of major contract

The Harland and Wolff shipyard plans to invest £3 million in refurbishing its iconic yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath. This comes as part of almost £100 million in investments as the Spanish-owned yard prepares for a significant defence contract. The cranes, which are a prominent feature in the east Belfast skyline, will undergo a comprehensive overhaul, including engine overhauls and replacement of key components.

Harland and Wolff, now owned by Navantia, the Spanish state-owned shipbuilder since January 2025, emphasizes the importance of respecting the cranes and restoring them to their peak performance. The investment also extends to other areas of the shipyard, such as the fabrication hall and plasma cutting equipment. Navantia has already made substantial investments in Belfast, including an expansion in the fabrication hall and the installation of plasma cutting equipment.

Work on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) project is already underway at Navantia sites in Spain and Devon. The ships for the FSS programme will be constructed in blocks and brought to Belfast by barge for final assembly, with the first ship, RFA Resurgent, expected to arrive in early 2027. Meanwhile, Airbus has commenced construction of a major extension to its wing factory in Belfast.

The £6.221 million extension will enable the company to increase production of wings for the A220 passenger jet. The facility will house a new autoclave, a crucial component in the manufacturing process for the composite wings. Airbus is also adding high-voltage electrical substations, a new office block, and expanding its car park.

Anthony Rouse, Head of Airbus Belfast Plant and Site, emphasizes that this investment is a direct response to the growing demand for A220 aircraft and the need to build capacity for future production. Additionally, Airbus is committed to ongoing skills development, with the addition of 40 new apprentices starting in September.