Seward Marine Industrial Center
Shipyards were built and utilized for many different reasons. Unlike most shipyards, Seward Shipyard became popular for its mechanics and repair systems used on fishing vessels and other forms of watercraft. Its popularity was almost instantaneous after its opening in 1973 in Seward, Alaska. During this time, there was an increased need for ships to be rebuilt and repaired, especially after post-war activities.
By 1986, the Seward shipyard grew into a successful drydock by servicing the many vessels that were in need of repairs. By 1988, the company was in need of increased space to work and purchased 2-acres of additional land to accommodate the business. The current dry dock is known as the Seward Marine Industrial Center and has since been expanded to an 11-acre full service shipyard that includes different work areas. This shipyard also utilizes a Syncro-Lift Drydock facility. This company has been successful and expanded its activities because of its continuous work quality and its ability to adhere to any budget. Those who are employed at the facility are educated, local individuals who are trained to service a number of different vessels. Most shipyards were built with asbestos fibers integrated into many of their materials and structures. Seward shipyard, on the other hand, began its services just a couple of years before warnings of asbestos exposure came out. Unfortunately, workers during that time were still very susceptible to inhaling asbestos fibers. Boiler rooms, insulation in pipes, flooring, and many other areas were most common for asbestos use.
Since this company originated as a repair facility, chipping away at different parts of the mechanisms without proper preventive measures often caused workers to be exposed to asbestos fibers. Many years after exposure, lung related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis arose. Often, woekers did not realize their lung ailments were symptomatic of mesothelioma or asbestosis.
No matter when the shipyard was built and what its functions were, past workers and employees should be tested for lung-related complications. Legal, medical, and emotional support and information are available in a number of different locations for the patient. It is important to get a prompt diagnosis so that treatment can be administered.
