Northwest Marine Iron Works

Northwest Marine Iron Works History

Northwest Marine began operation in Oregon’s “Port of Portland” in the 1950s. It became one of the major shipyards contracted in the Swan Island area. The shipyard primarily focused on repair and conversion work. But it also made components for use in repairs and large public works projects.

Northwest Marine saw significant growth, becoming a $100 million company in the 1970s. The company built barges during this time when U.S. asbestos use was at its peak. It’s likely that shipyards, including Northwest Marine, used asbestos throughout their facilities and ships.

During the 1980s, the shipbuilding industry slowed, and financial troubles mounted for Northwest Marine. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1987 and was then sold to Southwest Marine Inc.

Today, the area has been restored and repurposed. It is home to businesses and space for artists. However, any past asbestos use here may have lingering health consequences for prior Northwest Marine workers.

Northwest Marine Iron Works History at a Glance

• Other Names: Northwest Marine, Northwest Marine Ironworks, NW Marine, NW Marine Iron Inc., NW Marine Iron Works
• Location: Portland, Oregon
• Years of Operation: Mid-1950s – 1989
• Noteworthy Ships: USNS Bartlett, USNS De Steiguer, USS Lang, USS Meyerkord, USS Stein
• Types of Ships Built/Serviced: Amphibious assault ships, barges, Coast Guard cutters, frigates, oceanographic research ships

During Northwest Marine’s growth period, asbestos use was at a high. This put many workers at risk for asbestos exposure. Former workers who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses may have legal options.

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Asbestos at Northwest Marine Iron Works

Shipyards often used asbestos in various capacities, including on ships and the equipment workers used. Shipyard workers who repaired ships likely handled asbestos components.

Northwest Marine repaired and overhauled U.S. Navy ships. Workers assigned to repair these ships may have been exposed to asbestos-containing parts. Research shows the Navy used asbestos on ships beginning in the 1880s and stopped requiring it in 1985.

Asbestos Exposure at Northwest Marine Iron Works

Northwest Marine had many workers who may have handled asbestos products. Not only would those workers be at risk, but any others who worked at the yard may have been exposed, too. The families of the employees may also have been at risk of secondary exposure.

Occupations that may have been exposed at Northwest Marine include:

• Blacksmiths
• Boatbuilders
• Caulkers & chippers
• Coppersmiths
• Electricians
• Foundrymen
• Insulators
• Joiners
• Loftsmen
• Machinists
• Mechanics
• Molders
• Painters
• Patternmakers
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Riveters
• Sheet metal fabricators
• Shipfitters
• Shipwrights
• Steamfitters
• Toolmakers
• Trackmen
• Veterans
• Welders (electric and gas)

Asbestos Lawsuits for Northwest Marine Iron Works

Shipyards like Northwest Marine put their workers at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos illnesses may have legal options. One potential filing option is mesothelioma lawsuits. Successful lawsuits result in compensation from verdicts or settlements.

Mesothelioma lawyers have experience handling complex asbestos cases. These attorneys gather information about victims and their exposure to help present the best cases. They also file, litigate and negotiate for clients. Mesothelioma patients who worked at Northwest Marine can contact asbestos lawyers for a case review.

Questions About Asbestos Exposure at Northwest Marine Iron Works? Ask experienced mesothelioma advocate Jennifer Lucarelli Ask a Question

Asbestos Trusts Associated With Northwest Marine Iron Works

Northwest Marine does not have an asbestos trust fund, but other trust funds include it as an approved worksite. For example, the Eagle-Picher Industries Settlement Trust has Northwest Marine listed as an approved site.

There may be other asbestos trusts you can file a claim with. A mesothelioma attorney has the resources to find other companies with trust funds that may cover Northwest Marine. A reputable mesothelioma law firm can help asbestos victims seek compensation for injuries. This compensation can help cover medical bills, lost income and other expenses.

Asbestos Trust Funds and Eligible Years of Employment

The following companies provided asbestos products to Northwest Marine. After exposing innocent people to asbestos and facing many asbestos lawsuits, these companies filed for bankruptcy and created trust funds to pay victims. If an individual worked at Northwest Marine and developed a disease such as mesothelioma, they may be able to file a claim against these companies’ trusts.