Sun Shipbuilding

Located in Chester, PA, Sun Shipbuilding got its start in 1917.  According to records, it launched its first ship just before America entered World War I.  During the 1920s, Sun largely concentrated on building tankers for the Standard Oil Company. 

When the U.S. became embroiled in World War II, a few military contracts were received by Sun.  During the war years, the company built 281 T-2 tanker oil carriers (nearly 40 percent of all the tankers built in this country in that period) as well as hospital ships and C4 cargo carriers for the US Maritime Commission.  Workers at Sun Shipbuilding also converted cargo ships to flush-deck escort carriers.

When the war ended, Sun found itself building C4 Mariner cargo ships, repairing US Navy destroyers, and scrapping war-surplus vessels.  Increasing competition from foreign companies caused business to fall off during the 60s and 70s and the yard was closed in 1977 and the land purchased by Pennsylvania Shipbuilding.  In total, Sun Shipbuilding built 543 ships during its six decades of existence.

Shipbuilding and repair duties often involve exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, and since Sun Shipbuilding operated prior to the asbestos warnings of the 1970s, many asbestos materials were used at the yard.  Employees were rarely offered protective gear when performing their jobs, so many inhaled dangerous asbestos fibers on a daily basis.

If you were employed at Sun Shipbuilding and have developed mesothelioma, you’re not alone.  Many shipbuilders have been diagnosed with the disease.  To learn more about mesothelioma, its treatment, the best cutting-edge cancer doctors, and your right to financial assistance, order our free Mesothelioma Information Kit.