Backpacking in The United Kingdom: Harland & Wolff Cranes in Belfast
May 22 2023 | Tagged: United Kingdom
The twin yellow Harland & Wolff Cranes, Samson and Goliath dominate the Belfast skyline.
Built in 1974 and 1969 respectively, the yellow cranes have become synonymous with the city of Belfast.
Built in 1974 and 1969 respectively, the yellow cranes have become synonymous with the city of Belfast.
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Harland & Wolff was founded by Sir Edward James Harland and Gustav Wilhelm Wolff in 1861.
White Star ocean liners RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic were built by Harland & Wolff here in Belfast, as was the SS Nomadic, the only surviving White Star Line ship, which was built to transport passengers from the dock to both the Olympic and Titanic in Cherbourg, the port itself unable to accommodate such large vessels.
Harland & Wolff built most of the ships for White Star Line and HMS Belfast which is now a museum ship in London.
White Star ocean liners RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic were built by Harland & Wolff here in Belfast, as was the SS Nomadic, the only surviving White Star Line ship, which was built to transport passengers from the dock to both the Olympic and Titanic in Cherbourg, the port itself unable to accommodate such large vessels.
Harland & Wolff built most of the ships for White Star Line and HMS Belfast which is now a museum ship in London.
Goliath was built in 1969 by Harland & Wolff themselves and has an overall height of 316 ft. (96m) and Samson, pictured in the foreground above, the bigger of the two built in 1974, has an overall height of 348 ft. (106m).
Both have a span of 460ft (140m) and a working load of 840 tonnes.
Harland & Wolff went into administration in 2019 and again in 2024 but the yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath remain.
Both have a span of 460ft (140m) and a working load of 840 tonnes.
Harland & Wolff went into administration in 2019 and again in 2024 but the yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath remain.
Most photos I have seen are taken in Black & White. It seems strange to see them in colour.
Geek Fact: My buddy Jonny Blair who comes from Bangor in County Down, tells me that one of the cranes used to be white.
Check out the Harland & Wolff website.