The Albina Shipyard, also called the Albina Engine and Machine Works Shipyard, was one of the first major shipyards established in Portland, Oregon. Albina used asbestos in its ships for many years. This put workers at risk of asbestos exposure and later illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
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Did Albina Shipyard Use Asbestos?
Like other shipyards in the middle of the 20th century, Albina Shipyard used a lot of asbestos in many applications. Albina was a major employer in Portland, but it also harmed workers in the area.
All shipbuilding and repair involved asbestos. Albina and other shipyards used asbestos most heavily from the 1930s through the 1970s.
Albina Shipyard History
William Cornfoot founded the Albina Engine & Machine Works in the Albina neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, in 1904.
- Also known as Albina Shipyard, it repaired and built ships along the Willamette River.
- Workers at Albina aided the war effort, building ships in the 1940s. They constructed tugboats, subchasers, landing craft, fireboats, tankers, freighters, and barges for Naval and civilian applications.
- After the war, Albina Shipyard began focusing on commercial vessels, including ferries, barges, yachts, and tugboats for use across the world.
- Success continued for the shipyard throughout the 1960s, including building its own ferry that carried vehicles across the Columbia River. However, when the Astoria Bridge was built in 1966, the ferry, known as the Convoy, was retired.
- In 1971, Albina became Dillingham Ship Repair. In 1986, Dillingham became Cascade General with primary operations at Swan Island Shipyard. The original Albina Shipyard closed in 1987.
How Was Asbestos Used at Albina?
Most vessels made in shipyards all over the U.S. contained asbestos well into the 1970s. This set the stage for numerous lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers later on.
Asbestos was used in various areas on ships, including throughout engine rooms, sleeping quarters, pipe insulation, boiler rooms, and more. More than 300 asbestos-containing products went into many ships during the period of peak asbestos use.
Some of the asbestos-containing products and equipment Albina workers would have been in contact with include:
- Insulation
- Gaskets
- Valves
- Packing
- Adhesives
- Boilers
- Concrete
- Welding gear
- Fire and heat protective gear
Albina Shipyard Health Issues Related to Asbestos
Albina closed in 1987, and the business moved to the Cascade General Portland Shipyard. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found extensive asbestos contamination on the 216-acre yard former site.
Not only was the site contaminated with asbestos but also with oil, petroleum compounds, diesel fuel, and poison.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the old shipyard area as an “orphan” site and never issued a funded cleanup.
Nevertheless, many lives were ruined, and numerous families were left without loved ones after the toxic effects of asbestos led to workers developing fatal illnesses.
Asbestos Illnesses in Albina Workers
Regular contact with asbestos on the job caused serious illnesses in many people who worked at Albina:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer
- Asbestosis
- Other types of cancer
Compensation for Former Albina Workers
Former shipyard workers who now have an asbestos illness have legal options to seek compensation. Workplace asbestos exposure is considered negligence, so one option is to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you worked at Albina, your lawsuit would likely be against asbestos companies that supplied the shipyard with asbestos. If those companies went bankrupt, you could be eligible to file a claim with an asbestos trust fund for compensation.
If you have questions about your legal options or don’t know what step to take next, contact a mesothelioma lawyer.
Additional Information and Resources for Asbestos Victims and Their Families
If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
