Caddell Dry Dock and Repair

Founded in 1903 by Nova Scotian John B. Caddell, Caddell Dry Dock and Repair of New York has played a significant role in U.S. maritime history during the last century.

Caddell was an experienced shipyard employee and carpenter when he established the yard with two friends - salesman Eugene Schuyler and accountant John Payne.  It’s now the oldest, continuously operating shipyard in New York harbor.  The company is still family owned and operated. 

Caddell Dry Dock and Repair boasts 6 dry docks which allow them to repair approximately 300 vessels each year.  In addition to subcontractors, the company employs about 150 shipyard workers.

The company deals with a few military contracts but does mostly commercial work.  They did, however, service war ships during World War II, but after 1951, Caddell’s ceased work on military vessels.

Throughout the past 20 years, the yard has become known for the work it’s done for non-profits that take care of historic vessels, such as Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.  Volunteer crews have even been allowed to work on such vessels free-of-charge at one of Caddell’s dry docks.

Currently, the shipyard services tugboats, motor tankers, barges, coastal schooners, small excursion boats, ferries, deep-sea fishing boats and yachts.  At this time, Caddell is the largest full service shipyard in the New York Metropolitan Area. 

Like many who repair and overhaul ships, employees at Caddell Dry Dock and Repair were often exposed to a variety of hazardous materials that are often found aboard ships, including asbestos.  This material was generally found in insulation, pipes, floor or ceiling tiles, gaskets, cement, and much more.

Were you employed at Caddell Dry Dock?  Have you developed mesothelioma due to your on-the-job exposure to asbestos there?  If so, it’s time to learn about what you can do to help yourself and your family.  Take a moment to order our free Mesothelioma Information Kit for all the facts.