In April, the N0MES CDT student group, had an incredible opportunity to visit Cammell Laird Shipyard, one of the most iconic shipyards in the UK. The visit was a unique and insightful experience that gave them a closer look into the practical side of shipbuilding and marine engineering.
The tour was guided by three of the shipyard’s engineers, who walked them through the expansive facilities, including four dry docks, a large construction hall, and around 12 workshops/construction bays. They gained a deeper understanding of how dry docks operate, particularly how they are opened and closed using specialized gate systems. The discussion on the optimal use of these docks in terms of logistics and project planning was especially informative.
Later in the day, the group attended a talk by the Technical Director of Cammell Laird. His presentation offered an engaging overview of the shipyard’s rich history and its current projects. They were interested to learn that the company is involved in building and maintaining Mersey Ferries, as well as working on some sections of military submarines.
One of the most exciting parts of the visit was seeing the latest beautiful Mersey Ferry under construction. Watching the build process unfold, starting from small components, then progressing through minor and major sub-assemblies, units, zones, and eventually blocks, gave them a real appreciation for how complex and methodical shipbuilding truly is.
The day was not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable. The Cammell Laird team was exceptionally welcoming, and their hospitality made the visit even more memorable.
Ahmed Balata, Cohort 1 postgraduate researcher at the N0MES CDT, said, “I was especially impressed by the scale of the shipyard, particularly its massive construction hall, one of the largest in the UK. The use of specialized dry docks, advanced workshop setups, and modular assembly techniques truly highlighted the level of engineering behind modern shipbuilding.”
Nazmus Shakib, Cohort 1 postgraduate researcher at the N0MES CDT, added, “Seeing the different stages of construction, from small components to massive blocks was very interesting. It was like watching a giant 3D puzzle come together, piece by piece.”
Authors: Ahmed Balata and Nazmus Shakib
