The Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, established by Sun Oil in 1917, emerged as one of the five major pre-war shipbuilders in the United States. Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, the shipyard became known for its continuous operation and specialization in building tankers, playing a vital role in the maritime industry as World War II approached.
Early Development and Role in World War II
At the onset of World War II, Sun Shipbuilding was in full operation, equipped with eight ways for ship construction. As the U.S. entered the conflict, the company significantly expanded its capabilities. During the second wave of shipbuilding expansion, the yard’s ways increased from eight to twenty, supported by a substantial investment of $28 million from the U.S. Maritime Commission (USMC). This expansion further escalated in the fifth wave, ultimately bringing the total number of ways to twenty-eight, establishing Sun Shipbuilding as the largest shipyard in the country at that time.
The workforce at Sun Shipbuilding peaked at over 40,000 employees, organized across four adjacent yards. Notably, one of these yards was predominantly staffed by African-American workers, reflecting the significant contributions of diverse groups to the wartime shipbuilding effort.
Post-War Transition and Closure
After the conclusion of World War II, the shipyard underwent significant changes. The South and #4 Yards were sold for industrial development, while Sun Shipbuilding continued its operations as a merchant shipbuilder in the Central and North Yards. The company was sold to Pennsylvania Shipbuilding in 1982, marking the end of its independent operations. Ultimately, the shipyard closed its doors in 1989.
In the years following its closure, the Central Yard site was sold or leased for various uses, while the North Yard was repurposed as an independent cargo terminal, continuing the site’s legacy in the maritime industry.
Ship Production Achievements
Sun Shipbuilding was responsible for constructing a variety of vessels throughout its operational history. The yard produced notable ships, particularly during and after World War II. Some key examples of the vessels built at Sun Shipbuilding include:
- Cimarron: Laid down on April 18, 1938, launched on January 7, 1939, and delivered on March 20, 1939. It was transferred to the U.S. Navy as Cimarron (AO 22) and scrapped in 1969.
- Seakay: Laid down on May 31, 1938, launched on March 4, 1939, and delivered on March 23, 1939. It became the U.S. Navy ship Santee (AO 29), later converted to CVE 29, and was scrapped in 1960.
- Esso New Orleans: Laid down on July 10, 1938, launched on April 1, 1939, and delivered on April 14, 1939. It was transferred to the U.S. Navy as Chenango (AO 31), converted to CVE 28, and scrapped in 1962.
- Donald McKay: Laid down on July 23, 1938, launched on April 22, 1939, and delivered on June 27, 1939. It served as Polaris (AF 11) in the U.S. Navy and was scrapped in 1974.
- Mormacland: Laid down on August 1, 1939, launched on December 14, 1939, and delivered on April 24, 1940. It was transferred to Britain as HMS Archer (D 78) and later sold privately, ultimately being wrecked and scrapped in 1962.
Sun Shipbuilding produced various vessel types, including tankers and cargo ships, with many ultimately serving in the U.S. Navy and allied forces during and after the war.
The Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company played a pivotal role in the U.S. maritime industry during a critical period in history. From its early days as a major shipbuilder to its significant contributions during World War II, the company left an indelible mark on shipbuilding in America. While the yard is no longer operational, its legacy continues through the sites and facilities that have emerged from its storied past. The impact of Sun Shipbuilding resonates not only in the vessels it produced but also in the workforce that contributed to the war effort and the maritime industry.