Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS)

Situated in Kittery, Maine, on over 270 acres, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) is one of the only four remaining public naval shipyards active in the U.S. Although the shipyard is still going strong today, its history of extensive asbestos use and other toxic wastes almost forced it to shut down.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. 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.

History of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

PNS was established in 1800, making it one of the oldest naval shipyards in the nation. Its first 74-gun vessel, the USS Washington, was launched in 1814. Within the next several years, a hospital, barracks, and the Franklin Ship House was built, which was used to house the large wooden ship, the Franklin, which took more than ten years to complete.

During the Civil War, PNS served as a shipbuilding and repair facility. Years later, it created a military prison known as “The Castle,” which was used as the central prison for both the Navy and Marines, as well as captured German boats.

When World War I started, PNS began building and repairing submarines. In fact, it produced the L-8, the first submarine ever constructed by a United States naval shipyard.

The shipyard also continued to repair surface vessels. It continued to build and repair submarines throughout World War II, and by that time, the need for production was so high that the shipyard employed more than 25,000 people.

The shipyard’s last submarine, the Lance, was built and launched in 1969. However, the shipyard continues to provide submarine overhaul and modernization work.

Asbestos Use at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

As with most other shipyards in the past, PNS used asbestos for its affordability, ease of use, and resistance to fire and heat.

Asbestos-containing insulation was used throughout most of the submarines and other types of vessels built at the shipyard, as well as throughout more than 350 buildings that encompassed PNS.

Asbestos was also used in boiler rooms, in millboard materials, on water pipes, in curtains, thermal blankets, and more.

Although the shipyard phased its use of asbestos during the late 1970s, many workers went on to develop life-threatening diseases after daily, prolonged exposure to the hazardous mineral.

To make matters worse, the shipyard’s ventilation system was poor, resulting in asbestos dust and fibers continuously circulating throughout the air. Most workers did not wear any protective gear to help protect them from breathing in fine, odorless asbestos fibers.

Cancer Studies at PNS

By 1978, a study performed at PNS showed that cancer rates were unusually high at the shipyard. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) began a detailed investigation into the extent of asbestos use at the shipyard.

Results indicated that sheet metal workers, electricians, and welders were exposed to the highest amount of asbestos. Still, since asbestos permeated throughout most areas of the shipyard, most workers at PNS faced asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Lawsuits Against Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

The Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA) protected the United States Navy from lawsuits brought on by workers due to asbestos use.

Yet, numerous former workers at PNS as well as other naval shipyards filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the manufacturers and businesses that supplied asbestos-containing products to shipyards.

For instance, workers from PNS filed lawsuits against more than 25 asbestos manufacturers, claiming the companies acted in negligence, which ultimately led to numerous workers developing diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.

In addition to PNS workers developing toxic illnesses, many family members of employees and contractors developed asbestos illnesses as well, including the daughter of an insulation worker. She breathed in asbestos fibers via her father’s work clothing. She eventually died from malignant pleural mesothelioma.

National Priorities List (NPL)

PNS was so contaminated with asbestos and other types of hazardous wastes that by 1994, it was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Priorities List (NPL).

As a result, the shipyard was slated to close in 2008. However, the “Save Our Shipyard,” launched by employees, helped the committee reverse its decision on the shipyard’s closure.

If you or a family member worked at Portsmouth, you could be at risk for an asbestos illness. Contact an experienced lawyer to find out what you can do about it.

Additional Help for Asbestos Victims

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. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.