Bremerton Naval Shipyard

Bremerton Naval Shipyard once relied on asbestos for its affordability, resistance to heat and fire, and ease of use. As convenient as it was, asbestos led to workers developing serious illnesses, such as asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Bremerton Naval Shipyard History

Bremerton Naval Shipyard was established in 1891 when the U.S. Navy activated it for repair work. By the time World War II began, the shipyard had grown substantially in size and started repairing battleships of the United States Fleet and its Allies.

When the Korean War arrived, the shipyard began building vessels, modernizing carriers, and activating new ships.

Due to its large growth, the Bremerton Naval Yard became the largest shipyard on the West Coast of the U.S. It also became one of the most toxic shipyards, littered with excessive amounts of hazardous materials and wastes, including an exorbitant amount of asbestos materials.

Nuclear Materials

Along with asbestos, the shipyard also used nuclear materials on sub fleets, which led to numerous complaints and substantial fines against the shipyard, set forth by Washington State agencies.

As a result, Bremerton Naval Shipyard was eventually (after long delays) designated as a Superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Bemerton remains one of the most toxic sites on EPA’s National Priority List.

Bremerton Naval Shipyard Designated as Superfund Site

Bremerton Naval Shipyard used asbestos for various products, equipment, and machinery for many decades. The shipyard became aware of the hazards of asbestos in the 1940s. Yet, a spokesperson for Bremerton said there was not enough for anyone to be fully aware of how hazardous it was.

Nevertheless, the EPA designated the shipyard as a Superfund site. Along with thousands of workers placed at risk, anyone who lived in the general area was susceptible to inhaling deadly asbestos fibers on any given day. According to the EPA, up to 50,000 people live within a mile of the shipyard.

The Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency, after investigations, fined Bremerton Naval Shipyard more than $300,000 for violating asbestos-handling laws.

Bremerton Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuits and Investigations

Court documents indicate that many workers have sued the asbestos manufacturers that shipped products to Bremerton Naval Shipyard.

Uniroyal, an asbestos cloth manufacturer, faced many mesothelioma lawsuits and other asbestos-related claims after supplying the shipyard with numerous asbestos products.

In addition to asbestos cloths, numerous asbestos-containing products provided by multiple asbestos manufacturers were used at Bremerton Shipyard.

Lawsuits against Uniroyal and other companies associated with asbestos showed that numerous products led to workers developing illnesses. The most common asbestos products were pipes and piping, insulation, wallboard, boilers, aprons, and work gear.

Bremerton Naval Shipyard Today

Bremerton Naval Shipyard is now known as the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF).

According to the U.S. Navy, the shipyard offers the Navy support via technical assistance, logistics support, vessel maintenance and modernization, and engineering assistance. The shipyard, situated on over 170 acres, employs close to 12,000 people. 

If you worked at Bremerton, you might be eligible for compensation. Talk to an asbestos attorney about your options.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

Keep in mind that you may qualify for significant compensation if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis. 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.