Atlantic Dry Dock
There are many instances when shipyards collaborate with one another to create more efficient facilities. These mergers can optimize performance and services for the different needs of the industry. The Atlantic Drydock facility works together with Atlantic Marine in Jacksonville, Florida to build ships and vessels for different purposes. Atlantic Drydock expanded from its parent facility Atlantic Marine because of the increased need to build a variety of ships during the mid-1960s.
The shipyard industry began to expand during the 70s and 80s and Atlantic Drydock grew increasingly popular. Fortunately, the overload in business made it possible for Atlantic Drydock to expand its facilities and repair locations. New and improved launchways and a 4,000-ton marine railway facility allowed the shipyard to form contracts with more industries. They had more room to serve, repair, and build new vessels and other watercrafts.
The company's focus changed when Atlantic Marine decided to concentrate its endeavors in Jacksonville on repairs and conversions of ships rather than building vessels from the ground up. Atlantic Marine began to work with two other shipyards in Alabama. Both of these facilities became very successful and were well versed and highly qualified in servicing a number of sizes, shapes, and models of different vessels.
When ships are built, repaired, or renovated, there is a risk of inhaling the toxic fibers that become airborne. Most ships that were renovated by Atlantic Drydock were made during the period when asbestos was used for strength and heat and chemical resistance. When these ships were built, many did not know of the harsh consequences that asbestos has to a person's health. Many years after exposure, doctors are now seeing the effects and diseases that arise from asbestos exposure and inhalation. When asbestos microfibers are inhaled, they become lodged in the lining of the lung causing scar tissue and eventually cancer. Mesothelioma and asbestosis affect the normal lung function of those who have been exposed to asbestos.
Fortunately, there has been extensive research on these diseases as more people are diagnosed. Some patients do not experience any signs or symptoms of this disease, so it is important that if you or a loved one may have been exposed to asbestos from a shipyard, you must seek immediate testing for lung related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Early detection makes treatment much more effective.
