Swan Hunter

1842 - 2006

Responsible for constructing some of the greatest ships of the early 20th century, most famously RMS Mauretania.

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Wallsend

Swan Hunter - one of the best known shipbuilding companies in the world - was founded in 1880 and based in Wallsend, by the River Tyne. After a merger with Wigham Richardson Ltd. in 1903 the company brought together three of the most powerful shipbuilding families: Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson and made it the largest shipbuilder in the world. 1,600 ships were constructed altogether at the yard and it was responsible for some of the greatest ships of the 20th century, such as the RMS Mauretania (launched 1907), numerous super tankers such as World Unicorn (1973), and HMS Ark Royal (1985) for the navy. The company ceased shipbuilding in 2006.