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Preparing the dry dock JLP01_08_092044
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Preparing the dry dock JLP01_08_092044
Graythorp, Hartlepool. A view of progress on preparing Graythorp for the construction of North Sea oil platforms, showing cranes at work in the dry dock.
In the early 1970s Laing Pipelines Offshore constructed the Graythorp fabrication yard and dry dock on the site of the old William Gray Shipyard. The company created a dry dock which was used for the construction of fixed platform North Sea drilling rigs for the BP North Sea Oil Project. The work carried out on site included dredging the dry dock and earthmoving with the aim of creating a very large dry dock 500 metres long and 250 metres deep, to be excavated to a depth of 8.4 metres below sea level and capable of holding a vessel or rig with a 8.5m draught
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24058864
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1970s Construction Dry Dock Marine Engineering Works
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> Graythorp - oil rigs
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the remarkable progress made in preparing Graythorp for the construction of North Sea oil platforms. The image showcases a bustling scene within the dry dock, with cranes diligently at work. In the early 1970s, Laing Pipelines Offshore undertook an ambitious project to transform the site of the old William Gray Shipyard into a state-of-the-art fabrication yard and dry dock. Their vision was to create a colossal dry dock measuring 500 meters in length and 250 meters in depth, excavated to an impressive depth of 8.4 meters below sea level. The significance of this endeavor becomes apparent when considering its purpose - constructing fixed platform North Sea drilling rigs for BP's monumental North Sea Oil Project. The scale of engineering required is awe-inspiring, as evidenced by the dredging operations and massive earthmoving efforts undertaken on-site. This historic photograph not only documents a pivotal moment in marine engineering but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. It encapsulates both the ambition behind creating such an immense dry dock and the tireless work carried out by countless individuals involved in this groundbreaking project. Preserved within this image is a glimpse into our industrial past, showcasing how innovation shaped our world. As we admire these cranes working diligently amidst vast expanses of concrete, we are reminded that progress often requires bold steps forward - even if they involve reshaping landscapes or repurposing former shipyards like Graythorp.
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