🚤 Ferry Boats – Asbestos Exposure
Including Staten Island Ferry and Older Public Transport Vessels
Ferries, especially those built before the 1980s, were commonly constructed using asbestos materials in vital systems such as engine rooms, boiler spaces, overhead piping, and passenger cabin insulation. The Staten Island Ferry, one of the most iconic ferry services in the United States, operated vessels that included asbestos in multiple components for fireproofing and heat protection. Civilian workers, engineers, contractors, and ferry maintenance crews were routinely exposed during overhauls, repairs, and decommissioning projects.
🛠️ Ferry Vessels – What You’ll Learn From This Page:
-
Asbestos was common in engine insulation, pipes, and overhead ductwork
-
Crew members and shipyard workers faced daily exposure on aging ferryboats
-
Staten Island Ferries built before 1980 had widespread asbestos use
-
Legal compensation is available for individuals diagnosed decades after exposure
⚠️ Estimated Number of Exposed Individuals
| Exposure Group | Estimated People Exposed |
|---|---|
| Ferry Crew & Engineers | 20,000+ |
| Port Maintenance Workers | 15,000+ |
| Shipyard Contractors | 12,000+ |
| HVAC & Plumbing Crews | 8,000+ |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 55,000 individuals.
🔧 Why Asbestos Was Used on Ferry Boats
-
Fireproofing: Vital for passenger safety in high-capacity vessels
-
Thermal Insulation: Engine and boiler rooms required heat-resistant barriers
-
Soundproofing: Asbestos used to reduce noise in passenger cabins
-
Cost Efficiency: Readily available, durable, and cheap material for shipbuilders
🧭 Where Asbestos Was Located on Ferry Boats
| Area of Vessel | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|
| Engine Rooms | Pipe insulation, boiler wrap, gaskets |
| Passenger Cabins | Ceiling tiles, flooring, bulkhead panels |
| Overhead Compartments | Duct insulation, electrical wiring sheaths |
| Lavatories & Kitchens | Floor underlayment, stove linings |
| Ventilation Systems | Insulated ducts, fire damper linings |
⚓ High-Risk Jobs on Ferry Boats
| Occupation | Exposure Risk | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Engineers | High | Repaired insulated engine systems |
| HVAC & Duct Crews | High | Worked on overhead compartments and ducts with asbestos |
| Electricians | Moderate | Installed or repaired asbestos-laden electrical systems |
| Portside Maintenance | High | Sanded, cut, or removed asbestos materials in ferries |
| Decommissioning Teams | High | Handled full asbestos abatement on older vessels |
🫁 Health Risks from Asbestos Exposure
-
Mesothelioma – Deadly cancer linked to asbestos inhalation
-
Asbestosis – Fibrosis of the lungs due to repeated exposure
-
Lung Cancer – Risk even for non-smokers exposed on ships
-
Pleural Effusions – Fluid buildup in the lungs from asbestos damage
🧾 Sample Settlements – Ferry Boat Exposure
| Amount | Description |
|---|---|
| $1.2 million | Ferry maintenance worker diagnosed with mesothelioma |
| $910,000 | Marine engineer aboard Staten Island Ferry |
| $765,000 | HVAC contractor exposed while repairing ductwork on ferry |
| $625,000 | Shipyard worker removing asbestos from decommissioned ferry |
🏛️ Companies That Supplied Asbestos for Ferry Boats
-
W.R. Grace & Co. – Fireproofing sprays and insulation products
-
Johns-Manville – Boiler wraps, pipe lagging, wall panels
-
Owens-Corning – Sound insulation and heat barriers
-
Armstrong – Flooring tiles and adhesive backings
-
Garlock – Gaskets and valve seals
🏦 Trust Funds for Ferry Workers
-
Over $30 billion available through asbestos bankruptcy trusts
-
Most claims do not require proof of specific product brand
-
Former ferry workers can receive between $500,000–$1.2 million
-
Claims are typically non-taxable and resolved confidentially
📝 How to Qualify for a Claim
-
Must be diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness
-
Must have worked on or serviced ferries built before 1980
-
Exposure can be from direct employment or contracted work
-
Family members may file on behalf of deceased victims
⏳ Deadlines to File a Claim
| Claim Type | Deadline After Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2–3 years |
| Wrongful Death | 2–3 years |
| Trust Fund Claim | Varies by company |
❓ FAQs – Ferry Boat Asbestos Exposure
Q: Were all ferries affected by asbestos?
No, but most built before the mid-1980s contained some level of asbestos in their systems.
Q: Can I still file if I only did short-term work on ferries?
Yes. Even brief exposure during ferry maintenance can lead to asbestos-related illness.
Q: What if I can’t find my employment records?
Legal teams can use witness statements, union logs, or shipyard records to establish exposure.
Q: Am I eligible if I was a contractor, not a full-time ferry employee?
Yes. Contractors, temp workers, and dockyard staff are also eligible to file claims.
📞 Speak with a Legal Advocate Today
Call 800.291.0963 for a free consultation.
Legal professionals are standing by to help ferry workers and contractors who were exposed to asbestos on Staten Island Ferries, regional ferries, and other public transport vessels.