The Fairbairn steam crane was ordered in 1875 as the docks at the time had no heavy lift capacity. It was completed in August 1878 at a cost of £3,600. For most of its existence it was underused being rapidly overtaken by improvements in hydraulic and then electric crane technology. However it was heavily used during World War 2 when it lifted many landing craft, making over two thousand lifts in three years. It has now been restored and can be seen in action during special events.