CONFIDENTIAL
LAUNCH BY THE PRIME MINISTER - SD14 For SIR Y K PAO
AUSTIN & PICKERSGILL
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Company Background
The company is a merger of three long-established Wearside shipbuilders whose history dates back to the early 19th century. Before being acquired by BS (British Shipbuilders) on Vesting Day (1 July 1977) it was a wholly-owned subsidiary of London & Overseas Freighters (a tramp shipowning and operating company.) Compensation of £14m was paid
to them in 1978.
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The SD.14
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A & P is famous for the standardised cargo vessel the SD.14 (Shelter Deck 14,000 dwt), first built in 1965. Sales of this ship mainly for export enabled A & P to operate profitably through the mid 1970's. Series production resulted in high productivity and high pay. Since 1965, well over 2000 SD.14's have been sold with about a third
manufactured abroad under licence.
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Current Orderbook
A & P have now developed further standard designs of bulk carriers, ranging from 14,000 d.w.tto 35,000 d. w. t. Of the 13 ships now on order 8 orders are for
Hong Kong owners, of which 4 are for Sir Y K Pao.
None are for home owners.
Current Situation/Employment
In the latter 1970's A & P underwent a programme
of extensive modernisation at its two yards which
included the building of a covered construction hall
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Private notes are available after approval.