Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Staten Island

The Staten Island, New York location of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation was opened in the 1930s, when a large number of shipyard workers were transferred to Staten Island by Bethlehem Steel to work in the former United Ship Yard. The shipyard, located in Mariners Harbor, operated twenty-four hours a day at one point during World War II, and featured a foundry specializing in propeller production for the other 14 Bethlehem Shipbuilding sites.

This location produced a number of WWII ships, including the USS Beale. The Staten Island division also produced the first Merrell Class ferry, built between 1950 and 1951. Business here died off in the sixties, but their propeller division and foundry were operational until 1971. Today it is the site of May Ship Repair, which employs about 50 people and still produces some vessels.

Those who worked at the former Staten Island location of Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation faced the risk of asbestos exposure while constructing new ships, as asbestos insulation was used to line ship piping. Exposure to asbestos is linked to the eventual onset of mesothelioma cancer, and all retired workers who were once employed here should visit a doctor to assess their risk of developing this disease.

Ships built by Bethlehem Steel Staten Island:

Last modified: December 09 2009.