For 70 years, Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company built and repaired ships. It also played an important role in World War II. Sun Ship’s use of asbestos led to asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer in many workers.
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 receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
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Did Sun Ship Use Asbestos?
Sun Shipbuilding operated during the decades of peak asbestos use in the maritime industry and in many other industries. This peak period lasted from about the 1930s to the 1970s.
Sun Ship used asbestos in hundreds of components that went into ships. The primary use for asbestos in shipbuilding and repair was for insulation and fireproofing.
Sun Shipbuilding History
The Sun Oil Company created Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company just before the U.S. entered World War I. It was built on the Delaware River in Chester, Pennsylvania. Sun Ship built many types of vessels in its 70 years of operations, but its main output was tankers.
After launching its first ship in 1917 and contributing to the war effort, Sun Ship continued building vessels, primarily tankers for Standard Oil Company. It grew to eight shipways and two dry docks.
As the U.S. entered World War II, the U.S. Maritime Commission asked Sun Ship to expand its facilities to meet the needs of the war. Sun Ship built more shipyards, shipways, and dry docks. It received a contract to build 92 tankers to supply Navy vessels during the war.
The company continued to grow throughout World War II, becoming one of the top five largest shipyards in the nation. At its peak of operations during the war, Sun Ship employed nearly 40,000 workers. By the end of the war, it had launched 318 vessels.
After the war, production slowed down at Sun Shipbuilding, which resulted in one of the shipyards converting into a facility for industrial development efforts.
In 1982, the company was sold to Pennsylvania Shipbuilding. The company only lasted seven years before it permanently closed its doors in 1989.
How Did Sun Shipbuilding Use Asbestos?
As with most shipyards in the past, Sun Shipbuilding used asbestos when building and preparing ships. Asbestos materials went into hundreds of components used to build civilian and naval vessels. Some examples include:
- Insulation
- Pipes
- Cement
- Adhesives
- Boilers
- Pumps
- Gaskets
- Valves
Shipyards like Sun Ship also used asbestos as insulation in buildings and in friction parts in equipment and vehicles.
Who Was Exposed to Asbestos at Sun Ship?
Regardless of job function, most people who worked at Sun Shipbuilding were exposed to asbestos at some point. Asbestos readily releases fibers into the air that anyone can inhale or ingest.
Workers at greatest risk of exposure handled asbestos. They cut into asbestos materials, removed them from ships, or otherwise manipulated them, releasing harmful fibers. some of these workers included:
- Insulation workers
- Boiler workers
- Pipefitters
- Repair workers
- Demolition and shipbreaking workers
Seeking Compensation for Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Sun Ship
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on the use of asbestos in the 1970s, it happened well after many people had already been exposed to the toxic minerals.
Most companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos to Sun Shipbuilding and other shipyards knew about the dangers of asbestos.
Contact an asbestos law firm or mesothelioma lawyer if you have a diagnosis of an asbestos illness and worked at Sun Shipbuilding. They can help you seek compensation by suing asbestos companies or filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund.
Additional Information and Resources 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. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
