Keywords: sunderland shipbuilding j.l. thompson & sons ltd jlthompsonsonsltd north sands sunderland northsandssunderland orenda bridge orendabridge bulk carrier bulkcarrier ocean sea sea trials seatrials transportation cargo deck rail cabin shipbuilding heritage shipbuildingheritage maritime heritage maritimeheritage industrial heritage industrialheritage industry archives black and white photograph blackandwhitephotograph digital image digitalimage march 1972 march1972 launch north sands shipyard northsandsshipyard north east of england northeastofengland united kingdom unitedkingdom 3 november 1971 3november1971 robert thompson & sons robertthompsonsons robert thompson senior robertthompsonsenior robert thompson robertthompson joseph lowes thompson josephlowesthompson vessel ship north sands northsands manor quay manorquay fitting out fittingout repairs shipyard production construction structure components crew letters mark identification curve interesting unusual fascinating impressive iron metal water view glimpse blackandwhite monochrome outdoor vehicle boat black and white View of the bulk carrier 'Orenda Bridge' on sea trials, March 1972 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/6/59728A). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard, Sunderland on 3 November 1971. This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L. Thompson & Sons. The company’s origins date back to 1846 when the firm was known as Robert Thompson & Sons. Robert Thompson senior died in 1860, leaving his second son Joseph Lowes Thompson in control. In 1870 the shipyard completed its last wooden vessel and was then adapted for iron shipbuilding. By 1880 the firm had expanded its operations over much of North Sands and in 1884 completed the construction of Manor Quay, which served as fitting out and repair facilities. For many years in the late nineteenth century the yard was the most productive in Sunderland and in 1894 had the fourth largest output of any shipyard in the world. The Depression affected the firm severely in the early 1930s and no vessels were launched from 1931 to 1934. However, during those years the company developed a hull design giving greater efficiency and economy in service. During the Second World War the prototype developed by Joseph L. Thompson & Sons proved so popular that it was used by the US Government as the basis of over 2,700 Liberty ships built at American shipyards between 1942 and 1945. After the War the North Sands shipyard went on to build many fine cargo ships, oil tankers and bulk carriers. Sadly the shipyard closed in 1979, although it briefly reopened in 1986 to construct the crane barge ITM Challenger. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share these digital images within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk View of the bulk carrier 'Orenda Bridge' on sea trials, March 1972 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/6/59728A). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard, Sunderland on 3 November 1971. This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L. Thompson & Sons. The company’s origins date back to 1846 when the firm was known as Robert Thompson & Sons. Robert Thompson senior died in 1860, leaving his second son Joseph Lowes Thompson in control. In 1870 the shipyard completed its last wooden vessel and was then adapted for iron shipbuilding. By 1880 the firm had expanded its operations over much of North Sands and in 1884 completed the construction of Manor Quay, which served as fitting out and repair facilities. For many years in the late nineteenth century the yard was the most productive in Sunderland and in 1894 had the fourth largest output of any shipyard in the world. The Depression affected the firm severely in the early 1930s and no vessels were launched from 1931 to 1934. However, during those years the company developed a hull design giving greater efficiency and economy in service. During the Second World War the prototype developed by Joseph L. Thompson & Sons proved so popular that it was used by the US Government as the basis of over 2,700 Liberty ships built at American shipyards between 1942 and 1945. After the War the North Sands shipyard went on to build many fine cargo ships, oil tankers and bulk carriers. Sadly the shipyard closed in 1979, although it briefly reopened in 1986 to construct the crane barge ITM Challenger. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share these digital images within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk |