We nicknamed these the Imperial Walkers. Despite the massive size, they would move (with fair speed) up and down along the concrete piers. A high pitched siren would sound and amber lights would spin. They were intimidating creatures.
At first we thought they were intended to hold up the ship when the water from the dock was drained, but we later found out the ship was merely balancing on a series of blocks.
Trieste, Italy
October 2007