Seward Ships Drydock opened in the 1970s when many shipbuilders still used asbestos. Workers at the shipyard worked on older ships built with asbestos products. This left many workers at risk for life-threatening illnesses.
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 diagnosed with an asbestos illness. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim and much more.
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Did Seward Ships Drydock Use Asbestos?
Seward Ships opened toward the tail end of heavy asbestos use in the shipbuilding and repair industries. Shipyards used asbestos most extensively between the 1930s and 1970s. Seward Ships used asbestos for several years in ship components and equipment.
Seward Ships Drydock History
During the 1970s, there was an urgent need to repair ships. Seward Ships Drydock helped the growing demand when it opened in 1973.
- Seward Ships repaired marine fishing ships at a small facility in Seward, Alaska. After a significant increase in business, the company moved to a larger industrial park, where it continued to repair vessels of all sizes.
- In 1979, Seward Ships Drydock leased a marine railway facility at Lowell Point. They rebuilt the 300-ton facility and stayed in operation until 1985. Afterward, the company began offering services to vessels at the Seward Marine Industrial Center.
- The company also leased two additional acres at the facility and continued with drydock and vessel repair work. This led to an 11-acre expansion, which included over two thousand square feet of offices and covered areas for work.
Today, Seward is operated as Seward Ship Facility by JAG Alaska, Inc. It has two drydocks and a TraveLift. It can accommodate four large vessels at any given time with a covered work area of 35,000 square feet. Seward is the second-largest shipyard north of Seattle.
How Did Seward Ships Drydock Use Asbestos?
Shipyards in the past used a lot of asbestos in many different ways. Its primary use was as an insulating material. In shipbuilding and repair, asbestos materials went into vessels as a lightweight type of insulation that also provided fireproofing.
Seward Ships Drydock would have used asbestos in many components that went into the ships they repaired, including:
- Pipe insulation
- Insulating wall panels
- Boiler and pump insulation
- Fireproofing materials
- Gaskets
- Valves
- Adhesives
Most shipyards and other industries stopped using asbestos by the 1970s or early 1980s, so Seward’s use of asbestos didn’t last long.
Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure at Seward?
Like other past shipyards, workers at Seward Ships Drydock were likely exposed to asbestos. Even after shipyards mostly stopped using asbestos, workers would have encountered it in older ships they repaired.
Asbestos exposure was a risk for anyone working at the facility. Workers at greatest risk handled asbestos materials. They manipulated asbestos components, releasing fibers that they were likely to inhale. This includes insulation workers, plumbers, pipefitters, boiler workers, welders, and those doing demolition or shipbreaking work.
Compensation for Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Seward
Workers exposed to asbestos on the job who are later diagnosed with mesothelioma or other illnesses have a right to seek compensation.
One option is to file a claim against the asbestos companies that supplied the shipyard to seek a settlement or jury award. Another option is to make a claim with an asbestos trust fund.
If you worked at Seward and later developed an asbestos illness, contact a mesothelioma law firm for advice and guidance in seeking compensation.
Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, 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 in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
