A politicians empty promise for British yards

As was customary, this comprised statistical tables of ships completed, pictures of a sample of recent vessels, and editorial contributions by industry figures describing their particular products and services.

In terms of motor ship tonnage, British shipbuilders still ruled. Germany was very close behind (more ships, but slightly lower total tonnage – and Eastern Germany was still very much a separate nation) and it was a similar story with third and fourth places – Sweden and Japan respectively. Korea and China did not figure anywhere in the world tables. Taking the total merchant ship completions, including steam, Japan was in front.

Some things were rather similar to today’s situation: completions down on a previous record year, concerns about future orders, and worries about cancellations of the current orderbook, not to mention lay-ups and falling freight rates. Although large shipyards were comparatively healthy, smaller concerns were laying off staff and the industry was suffering from over-capacity.

The parochial stance of The Motor Ship of 60 years ago (it would be marvellous to be able to take the same position now) was demonstrated by a message from the then UK Minister of Transport, Ernest Marples (remember him?) promising readers that he would assist British shipbuilding in the face of the overseas challenge. Reading his statement though, it was, typically for a politician, rather short of substance. And we don’t need to be reminded of what happened to the British shipbuilding industry as the 1960s and 70s progressed.