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Baltimore Marine Industries, Maryland

In 1997, Baltimore Marine Industries acquired the Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard at Sparrows Point, Maryland. The shipyard was previously owned by Bethlehem Steel, which bought it in 1916 from Maryland Steel. From 1916 to 1997, Bethlehem Steel operated the shipyard, building and repairing ships through two world wars. Like nearly all other shipyards that operated during the 1900s, the Bethlehem shipyard used asbestos extensively in its operations. Bethlehem Steel has been successfully sued for exposing workers to asbestos, which eventually resulted in the workers developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

After 1996, the old Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard, run by BethShip, competed with other dying shipyards to acquire contracts and dismantle aging U.S. Navy ships. Among the aims of the contract that was awarded to Baltimore Marine Industries (formerly BethShip) was developing safer ways of dismantling the old ships that contained hazardous wastes, including asbestos. In addition, Baltimore Marine Industries worked on the renovation and overhaul of ships built in earlier decades. From 1997 through 1999, Baltimore Marine Industries repaired or overhauled 79 vessels and built several ships. The company also had several contracts to repair and overhaul old Navy and U.S. Maritime ships. Between 1996 and 2003, when Baltimore Marine Industries filed for bankruptcy, the company employed as many as 700 workers.

The Sparrows Point shipyard operated heavily throughout the mid 1900s, when asbestos was used in shipbuilding, ship-fitting, dredging, and ship renovation and deconstruction. Shipyard workers who engaged in renovating and refitting older naval vessels and other sea-going vessels are among those at high risk of asbestos exposure. Even today, when the dangers of asbestos are well-known, there is a high danger of asbestos exposure for those working in old shipyards, especially those who repair, renovate, and demolish old ships.

According to those who worked in ship demolition in the 1980s and 1990s, safety requirements were often overlooked in the rush to strip ships of all usable metal. In addition, the ships themselves were contaminated with toxic wastes and chemicals including oil and asbestos. There is evidence that those wastes may have contaminated the water and land around the shipyard.

Because asbestos can lie dormant in the body for decades before mesothelioma develops, many workers who were exposed to asbestos at the Point Sparrow shipyard may not yet be showing symptoms as a result of their asbestos exposure. The early symptoms of mesothelioma are often mistaken for other conditions and it's vital that those who worked around asbestos make their doctors aware of their exposure history. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the better chance there is to treat the condition. In the past, mesothelioma was almost invariably fatal because it went undiagnosed until it reached the later stages.

If you worked for Baltimore Marine Industries, you may have been exposed to asbestos in the course of your work. Be certain that your doctor is aware of your work and exposure history. If you worked for BMI, or at the Sparrow Point shipyard, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to learn your rights in receiving compensation.

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Select... Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis Severe Asbestosis Unknown

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