During World War II, the urgent need for maritime vessels led to the development of concrete ships and barges, a move prompted by the constraints faced by traditional steel shipbuilders. The United States Maritime Commission, although initially hesitant, began to construct concrete vessels as steel production reached its limits. This article highlights the key contractors involved in this innovative maritime solution and examines the types of vessels they produced.
The Reluctant Shift to Concrete
The construction of concrete ships was not the primary focus for the Maritime Commission. As steel shipyards were operating at full capacity, the need for alternative materials became apparent. Thus, concrete, a material typically associated with construction and not maritime endeavors, was employed. This shift was a significant response to wartime exigencies, enabling the United States to meet its logistical needs.
Major Contractors
Five contractors were involved in the production of concrete ships, with three playing a crucial role in the industry:
- McCloskey & Company (Tampa, FL): McCloskey & Company established a shipyard in Tampa to focus on the construction of self-propelled dry bulk cargo ships. They designed vessels specifically to carry sugar, which were unique as the only self-propelled concrete ships built during this era. The flagship of this line, the Vitruvius, measured 366 feet in length with a deadweight capacity of 5,000 tons. Over the course of their operations, McCloskey built a total of 24 vessels, many of which ultimately served as breakwaters after their active service, a testament to their durability.
- Concrete Ship Constructors, Inc. (National City, CA): This company concentrated on constructing concrete barges, including the B7 tank barges and B5 covered dry cargo barges. The B7 barges, measuring 375 feet long and capable of carrying 6,600 tons, were designed to transport refined products from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northeast. The B5 barges were shorter, at 265 feet, with a deadweight of 1,632 tons, and were primarily used for dry cargo. They also constructed maintenance barges and reefer-capable hulls, reflecting a versatile approach to maritime needs during the war.
- Barrett & Hilp (San Francisco, CA): Barrett & Hilp focused on building concrete barges, specifically the B7 dry bulk barges, which were 366 feet long with a deadweight of 5,687 tons, designed to carry materials like bauxite. The shipyard produced various vessels that contributed significantly to wartime logistics, demonstrating the utility of concrete in marine construction.
A Snapshot of the Fleet
The production records from these contractors showcase a diverse range of vessels, each designated with unique identification numbers and specific purposes. Below is an overview of notable vessels constructed by McCloskey & Company and their eventual fates:
| Hull # | Name | Type | MC # | Delivered | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vitruvius | C1-S-D1 | 1045 | Dec-43 | Sunk as a breakwater at Normandy |
| 2 | David O. Saylor | C1-S-D1 | 1046 | Nov-43 | Sunk as a breakwater at Normandy |
| 3 | Arthur Newell Talbot | C1-S-D1 | 1047 | Feb-44 | Sunk as a breakwater at Kiptopeke VA |
| 4 | Richard Lewis Humphrey | C1-S-D1 | 1048 | Mar-44 | Sold in Mexico |
| 5 | Richard Kidder Meade | C1-S-D1 | 1049 | Mar-44 | Sunk as a breakwater at Kiptopeke VA |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 24 | Emile N. Vidal | C1-S-D1 | 1069 | Dec-44 | Sunk as a breakwater at Powell River BC |
The operational life of these vessels was often cut short, with many being repurposed as breakwaters or lost in various incidents, illustrating the dual role these ships played during and after the war.
The construction of concrete ships during World War II represents a fascinating chapter in maritime history, highlighting the adaptability and resourcefulness of the industry under pressure. While these vessels were built reluctantly, they became essential components in wartime logistics. Contractors like McCloskey & Company, Concrete Ship Constructors, and Barrett & Hilp contributed significantly to this unique engineering endeavor, showcasing the potential of concrete in an industry dominated by steel. Their legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the innovative solutions that emerge in times of necessity.