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Naming ceremony JLP01_09_761278
Graythorp, Hartlepool. The naming ceremony of the oil platform Thistle A being carried out by J Potts, an apprentice draughtswoman at Graythorp.
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. Oil platforms, Graythorp I and Graythorp II were built at this site between 1972-1975, followed by Thistle A, which at the time was the largest steel oil production platform in the world. This photograph was published in July 1976 in the Laing monthly newsletter Team Spirit. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Media ID 24058956
Filename: jlp01_09_761278.jpg
Size: 5210 x 5273 (4.2MB)
Date: 15th November 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
1970s Ceremony Dry Dock Marine Engineering Works Oil Rig People Women
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of marine engineering. The image showcases the naming ceremony of the oil platform Thistle A, held at Graythorp in Hartlepool. In this remarkable scene, J Potts, an apprentice draughtswoman at Graythorp, can be seen carrying out the prestigious task. During the early 1970s, Laing Pipelines Offshore undertook a groundbreaking project by constructing the Graythorp fabrication yard and dry dock on the grounds of the former William Gray Shipyard. This innovative facility played a crucial role in supporting BP's North Sea Oil Project by manufacturing fixed platform drilling rigs. The photograph offers a glimpse into this era as it features two already completed platforms – Graythorp I and Graythorp II – alongside Thistle A. At that time, Thistle A was renowned for being the largest steel oil production platform worldwide. Published in July 1976 within Laing's monthly newsletter Team Spirit, this snapshot not only celebrates maritime achievements but also highlights women's involvement in traditionally male-dominated industries. It serves as a testament to their invaluable contributions to marine engineering during this transformative period. Preserved within Historic England Archive, this print allows us to appreciate both the technical prowess involved in constructing such colossal structures and the sense of pride felt during their unveiling ceremonies.
