This shipbuilding yard was set up in 1899, on a 110,000 m2 site to the east of the port's access channel, when, following large-scale works to extend it, Dunkirk became France's 3rd port. The first four ships built by ACF were sailing vessels with metal hulls as additional ships for the large AD Bordes fleet, but from 1903 steam ships were coming down the slipway. When the First World War broke out the yard employed 2,400 people. Besides warships they were also building large numbers of merchant ships. In 1937 they launched the largest oil tanker in the world: Emile Miguet.
The oil tanker Emile Miguet on the slipway and during a trial sailing. Photos: Port Museum Collection
After the Second World War the yard had to be completely rebuilt and the opportunity was taken to include the latest technological innovations, especially in the fields of welding and pre-fabrication. The yards specialised in the building of ships that became more and more sophisticated and imposing, such as LPG tankers. However, they were unable to meet Korean competition and despite several rescue attempts closed their doors in 1987, putting 4,000 employees out of work, not to mention all their sub-contractors. It plunged the city into a major economic crisis.
The propane carrier Hampshire. Model Ship. Port Museum Collection
The bucket dredger Pas de Calais II. Model Ship. Port Museum Collection