Titan Crane provides impressive reminder of Scotland’s shipbuilding heritage

Looming over Clydebank, the Titan Crane stands as one of Scotland’s most striking monuments to its industrial heritage. Built in 1907 by Sir William Arrol & Co, the electrically powered cantilever crane was among the first of its kind and became an indispensable tool in the heyday of shipbuilding on the River Clyde.

With a lifting capacity of 150 tonnes, it enabled the installation of heavy engines and armaments in the world-famous liners and naval vessels produced at the John Brown & Company shipyard, including HMS Hood, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

At almost 50 metres high and 800 tonnes in weight, the Titan was the biggest crane of its type ever built at the time of construction and survives as the sole remaining example on the Clyde. It has been preserved as a visitor attraction and a reminder of the skills and innovation that once defined the area. It was awarded an IMechE Engineering Heritage Award in 2012. 

Find out more about the Institution’s history on the Heritage Awards page. 

Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.

Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.