Samson and Goliath are the two gantry cranes in the Harland and Wolff shipyard at Queen's Island, Belfast. Named after the Biblical figures Samson and Goliath, the cranes are landmarks in the city and dominate the skyline.
The cranes are situated in the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Constructed by the German engineering firm Krupp, Goliath being completed in 1969 and Samson, in 1974.
As shipbuilding is now a minor part of the activities of Harland and Wolff, there were fears that these iconic cranes would be demolished. The cranes were scheduled as historic monuments in 2003 to retain this essential parts of the cultural heritage of Belfast.
Since 2007, both cranes are now back in service, indicating a resurgence in heavy engineering for Harland and Wolff.