Hammer head crane

The steel giant can lift over 250 tons and was operational from 1951 to 1988. It is not yet Heritage listed, but has been registered as an indicative property. Who knows what will happen, considering the issues involved with either preserving or demolishing. Weighty issues indeed! :-)

The cantilever 'Hammerhead' crane is only one of six built in the world. The crane was specifically set up for the removal of the twin 18 inch gun barbettes (barbette = an armoured cylinder protecting a revolving turret on a warship) from the English battleships of the period, hence their location at the home ports of the Royal Navy. (quoted from http://www.dhub.org/object/319851&img=174519)

The foundation cylinders were started in 1944. (quoted from http://www.mmci.com.au/articles/hammerhead/hammerhead_01.html) They are set into the rock bed of the harbour.