This site has been established to preserve the history of Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Chester, PA, USA and to be a resource for all those sharing an interest in Sun Ship, it's history, technology, employees, ships, and industrial products.
This site is a work-in-progress and is currently being compiled and edited by Dave Kavanagh (33M Dept). We would appreciate any comments or additions that could be included at this site, including guest articles that would pertain to the yard it's history and technology. Also, we would be interested in any copies of Sun Ship documentation or memorabilia that could be utilized in our project.
Note 1: The following information is related to Sun Ship life insurance and pension. Questions can be directed to:
Life Insurance: Aetna, Sun Ship Group Life Insurance contact is Colleen Zoto at 215.775.0354 (Rev: 5/20/08)
Pension: MetLife: Contact Number is 800.638.5656
Note 2: Next time your near Harrah's, take a look at our historic marker located on Route 291 at the entrance to the casino.
Note 3: Visit the Hagley Museum & Library site at http://digital.hagley.org and click on the 'Princess Anne' to view their partial Sun Ship photo-collection.
Note 4: The SSHS is looking for a hi-res scanned copy of the launching invitation for the 'Westward Venture' Hull 675. Note: This is not Hull 674 that was 5/3/2010 launched as the 'Westward Venture' and delivered as the 'Atlantic Bear'. We would appreciate any help we can get on this. Please email info to the address above. Thank You, Dave K.
Note 5: The SSHS is updating the Trailership section of the website and would like any info on RO/RO's that had mid-bodys and/or spar decks installed and if 5/3/2010 done under Sun or Penn. We would appreciate any help we can get on this and please post information on Guest Book by logging on to
View Entries or email to address above. Thank You, Dave K.
Note 6: 9/17/2011 Received call from Rich Griffith (American Shipping Group) yesterday (9/16/2011) informing us that the 'Westward Venture' is in graving
dock at Sparrows Point starting scraping. As information becomes available, will pass on, Dave K. ps: Check Google Earth for picture of RORO at
Sparrows Point pierside dated 2011. (Find Businesses tab then enter Sparrows Point Baltimore)
Note 7: The 8th of February, 2012 at 10:28 AM will mark the 30th Anniversay of the sale of Sun Ship after the signing of a 3 year contract between the
Boilermakers Local 802 and Levingston at 10:28 AM on February 8, 1982. In memory of this event, I will try and make some significant additions to
the website. I want to thank you for following the site since it's inception in 2001, Dave Kavanagh
If you drop by, please sign our guest book, as we are extremely interested in your thoughts about the site, the type of information that would be of interest to others as well as informing us of other sites related to shipbuilding. In addition, consider looking over "View Entries", as this has become a gathering spot for people who would like to establish contact with others, either with similar interests or renewing old friendships. Please leave any suggestions, information, corrections or comments at davekav@verizon.net (Note: For the time being, you will need to actually type in the email address).
