Farrell Lines

Farrell Lines was the name of the company that bought out American Export Lines (AEL) in 1978. AEL produced cargo and passenger ships from 1919 when they first opened in New York, until 1977 when they declared bankruptcy and had to close down their operation.

The new owners of AEL had been in business since 1926 and were growing and expanding their operation. At one point they became the largest producer of privately owned ships in the United States. Over the years Farrell Lines took control over a large number of ships, but they weren't always allowed to retain their ownership. Some were taken over by the US Maritime Commission (USMC) for wartime use in the Merchant Marine fleet.

Ships that sailed under this prestigious banner were used for cargo transportation unless a war necessitated that they be utilized to move troops or military equipment. Several large wars have required private ships to be placed under the control of USMC to ensure that the fleet was plentifully stocked at all times. When these vessels survived the conflict, they were often refurbished and returned to the original owners.

Farrell's ships were no exception when it came to the military temporarily declaring control of a large ocean traveling craft. They were also no exception in regards to having insulation on board that was made out of the once popular material asbestos. Before the 1970's, the mineral was one of the most often used natural resources in America. Its popularity only waned after studies revealed a startling fact - the material is toxic.

Anyone who sailed on a Farrell vessel was subjected to being exposed to this hazardous substance. They could breathe in seemingly insignificant amounts of the mineral because the tiny fibers that make it up often break apart and float in the air. Those who did ingest some were likely to get sick as a result. When the mineral is inhaled, it sticks within the respiratory system and can do a great deal of damage. Exposure to the substance can lead to anything from a little difficulty with breathing to the incurable and sometimes fatal disease Mesothelioma.

Today's ships contain insulation that does not include any asbestos. Tragically, thousands of ships were built with a full stock of products that prominently featured the mineral for several decades. Crew members who populated the vessels produced by Farrell Lines were regularly endangered by this unseen and unknown assailant which was found in abundance on every large ship built before the poisonous material was regulated by government agencies.

Last modified: December 09 2009.