
Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company has a rich history in the shipbuilding industry. The company was founded in 1917 as the Federal Shipbuilding Company.
The company's shipbuilding capabilities are impressive, with a focus on building naval ships and submarines. Their expertise in this area is unmatched, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality vessels on time and on budget.
Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company operates out of a large drydock facility in New Jersey, which is equipped with the latest technology and equipment. This facility has been the site of many notable shipbuilding projects over the years.
Expand your knowledge: Transportation Insurance Company
History of the Federal Yard
The Federal Yard was a significant shipbuilding facility in the United States, with its roots dating back to 1917. It was founded as a subsidiary of United States Steel Corporation to supply ships for the United States Shipping Board during World War I.
The yard was first surveyed in the summer of 1917, and construction began soon after. A steel plate mill and boiler shop were built, along with a 535 by 161.5 feet boiler construction shop to build Scotch marine boilers.
By June 1921, the Federal yard at Kearny had constructed 235 boilers, mostly 15 feet diameter or larger, with 250 men able to construct three boilers a week. This impressive feat showcased the yard's capabilities and efficiency.
The yard continued to grow, with shipbuilding ways for twelve 15,000-ton vessels and a 9,000-ton floating dry dock constructed by November 1921. The dry dock was first used on June 23, 1921, when Transmarine corp's SS Suhulco docked.
A devastating fire destroyed the largest building at the Kearny yard on Sunday night, May 18, 1924, causing an estimated $500,000 in damage. The fire highlighted the risks and challenges faced by shipyards during this period.
The Federal yard at Kearny remained operational during the difficult interwar period and Great Depression, a testament to its resilience and adaptability.
Types of Ships Built
The Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company was a prolific shipyard, building a wide range of vessels during its active years from 1917 to 1949.

The shipyard built cargo ships, including 30 of the 48 Design 1037 ships, with yard numbers 1 through 30, for various companies such as U.S. Steel, Standard Oil of New Jersey, and Pan-American Patroleum.
They also built passenger ships, like the Dixie for the Southern Pacific SS Line in 1928, which was 8,200 tons.
In addition to cargo and passenger ships, the shipyard constructed tankers, including 11 for Standard Oil of New Jersey, 5 for Pan-American Patroleum, and 2 for Imperial Oil in 1921, which were 11,000 tons each.
The shipyard also built tankers for Gulf Oil in 1927, which was 12,500 tons, and for Standard Shipping in 1930.
Here's a breakdown of the types of ships built at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company:
The shipyard built 18 cargo ships for U.S. Steel/Isthmian Steamship Company, 11 tankers for Standard Oil of New Jersey, 4 passenger ships for the Grace Line, 5 tankers for Pan-American Patroleum, and 2 tankers for Imperial Oil in 1921.
The shipyard also built 3 T3 ships, 6 C2 ships, 6 C3 ships, and 5 C1-B ships for the Maritime Commission before World War II broke out.
These ships played a crucial role in the war effort, and the shipyard's contributions are still remembered today.
Shipbuilding Locations

The Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company had a significant presence in the United States, with various shipbuilding locations across the country.
The company's main shipyard was located in Kearny, New Jersey, where it operated from 1917 to 1942.
The Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company also had a smaller yard in Bayonne, New Jersey, which was used for repair and maintenance work.
In 1942, the company shifted its operations to the Bayonne yard, which was more suitable for ship repair and maintenance.
The Bayonne yard was strategically located near the Port of New York and New Jersey, making it an ideal location for ship repair and maintenance work.
Discover more: Norfolk & Washington Steamboat Company
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Shipbuilding_and_Drydock_Company
- https://www.mesotheliomahelp.org/navy/shipyards/federal-shipbuilding-drydock-company/
- https://law.justia.com/cases/new-jersey/appellate-division-published/1951/11-n-j-super-611-0.html
- https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/2228718
- https://www.wikiwand.com/cs/articles/Federal_Shipbuilding_and_Drydock_Company
Featured Images: pexels.com