The Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set to receive a £3.1 million investment dedicated to the refurbishment of its two landmark cranes, known as Samson and Goliath. These massive yellow gantry cranes are widely recognized as symbols of the city's industrial heritage and are located at the site where the RMS Titanic was built in the early 20th century.

The project aims to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the cranes, which remain a prominent feature of the Belfast skyline. While the shipyard has faced significant financial and operational challenges in recent years, including periods of administration, the preservation of these structures is viewed as a commitment to maintaining the site's historical identity. The cranes are not only functional remnants of the shipbuilding era but also serve as a major tourist attraction for those visiting the Titanic Quarter.

There is no disagreement regarding the necessity of the maintenance, as the cranes require regular upkeep to prevent corrosion and mechanical failure. The refurbishment is expected to be a multi-phase process, though specific timelines for the completion of the work have not been fully detailed in initial reports. The investment highlights the ongoing efforts to balance the site's industrial past with its current role in the local economy and tourism sector.