Shipyard Size and Location

Shipyard Size

The function of a shipyard is to build and/or repair small, medium, and large ships. The size of a yard is in part determined by the size and complexity of the ships that are being built and/or repaired. For example, the construction of a fishing boat would require fewer specialized skills and resources than the construction of a warship.

Technological advancement has enabled the production of very large vessels. By the 1970s 250,000 dead weight tonnes was not uncommon. Commercial vessels today are measuring in at 500,000 dead weight tonnes. The actual weight of the steel incorporated in the building of the ship has also increased from 3000 tonnes to 30,000 tonnes requiring more lifting capacity in yards to accommodate the build.

Shipyard Location

If you look at the world through the eyes of an early shipbuilder, what would you take into consideration when thinking about the best place to locate an operation? First of all you would need a spot by the ocean so you could easily move vessels in and out. A sheltered location would also provide protection during the building process. Access to raw materials like lumber would be helpful, in addition to a means of transportation, like a river, for moving resources. These early considerations are why most shipyards today are located in the lee of a peninsula or inlet, with a river close by.

Historically as shipyards grew they became economic drivers and were often the hub that supported the growth of towns and villages. As the materials used to build ships became more complex (riveted joints, electrical installations, and interior furnishings) so did the supporting infrastructure. The addition of railways and steel mills transformed many shipyards from being local undertaking to massive commercial operations.