Last week, Harland & Wolff had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Tom McCluskie MBE to the Belfast site. Dr. McCluskie dedicated 38 years to Harland & Wolff, starting as a mail boy and rising to head of the draughting department, eventually retiring as admin and archive manager. He also served as a technical consultant to James Cameron on Titanic.
Returning to the yard he grew up in was an emotional afternoon for him and an educational one for Harland & Wolff. Dr. McCluskie recounted amusing stories, such as the mystery of the Steinway piano, which was installed into a ship via a large hole cut in the side, only to go missing without a trace the next day, never to be found. He also shared lived experience stories about the fluctuating fortunes of the UK maritime industry over the years and how Harland & Wolff has always weathered the storm. It was fascinating to receive an education from the man who knows the Belfast site better than anyone.
One thing stood out during the conversation: Harland & Wolff’s enduring resilience. From its heyday to today, overcoming challenges has defined the company. The black and yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath, stand tall as proud symbols of a relentless spirit and determination embedded within both Harland & Wolff and the people of Belfast, who together built the most famous shipyard in the world.
Reflecting upon his career at Harland & Wolff, Dr. McCluskie noted:
“H&W runs through the blood of the citizens of Belfast and the greater community it serves. The two giant cranes on the skyline mean you are home … From the very beginning the company had a ‘can do’ philosophy which is as true today as it always was. Impossible is a word not understood or ever used in Harland and Wolff.”
Harland & Wolff extends its gratitude to Dr. Tom McCluskie for reminding us of who we are and inspiring us as to where we are going.
