CONGESTION IN BRITISH SHIPYARDS

Chronicle (Levin), 23 July 1947, Page 6

CONGESTION IN BRITISH SHIPYARDS

(Special Correspondent.)

Reeeived Tuesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, July 22. Recent iigures reveal that congestioD in British shipyards and drv docks is so serious that over 700 vessels _ are at present tied up awuiting repairs. In addition some compaiues are cancelling orders for new vcsscls because tliey canuot obtain delivery in less than three to live years. Although it was expected that the output of new ships from British yards this year would total 1,250,000 tons, it is now expected that fuel cuts, the steel shortage and'" cancellation of orders will reduce this figure to 750,000 tons. Anotlier problem causing concern in the shipping trade is the steadily mounting costs of building. The cliairman of the Cunard-White Star Gompany, Mr. F. A. Bates, in his annual report to sliaroholders, mentioned that the company 's new 30,00.0-ton liner Caronia which is launching in October, will cost more than double the Mauretania when she was completed in 1939, although there was only 5000 tons difference in the two jships. Mr. Bates opined that the company must now appropriate at least double the amount required prewar for replacement of .tonnage. The Cunard-White Star Company 's profit for the year amounted to over £2,000,000, which is £500,000 more than the previous year. This increase was partly due to the return of the liner Queen Eldzabeth to the trans-Atlantic service. Since the balance-sheet was completed the Mauretania has also resumed the Atlantic run and the Queen Mary is at present on reconstruction trials before resuming in the service next week.