We urge Sunderland City Council to support the reopening of the Pallion Shipbuilding Yard.

The Pallion shipbuilding yard, Sunderland, closed its doors for the final time on 7th December 1988. At that time it was the largest covered shipyard in the world with a capacity to build two 30,000 ton ships side by side in its dry Dock. Steel went in one end and completed ships were floated out the other. It was also the most modern yard in the whole of Europe.
Although long closed, the site with its covered all-weather drydock and buildings still exists, mothballed, ready to be refurbished and reopened for business.
With support and assistance from Sunderland City Council a new operator would jump at the chance to reopen the site and commence offshore support services, dealing initially with repair and maintenance.
The world renowned shipbuilding firm Harland and Wolff has already investigated the potential of the Pallion yard, prior to their recent multi-million pound purchase of the Appledore yard in Devon (Pallion is a bigger improved Appledore, both designed by Sir James Venus). Notwithstanding their reputation and interest, the company was sadly denied any support from Sunderland City Council and the Port of Sunderland authority.
North Sea offshore renewable energy business is booming and is set to continue an upward trend into the future. That business requires ships and associated equipment, which require maintenance and repair. The Pallion yard is ideally placed to take advantage of this opportunity. Thousands of jobs will created for local people within the Pallion yard and the local supply chain. The local economy will benefit greatly from the creation of a world class offshore marine facility.
There is huge investment in offshore marine businesses taking place right now at Blythe, the Tyne, Hartlepool and the Tees. What those places have in common is that they are all on the North East Coast, all have a proud maritime tradition and the regeneration and investment is being supported by their local councillors and MPs.
Not in Sunderland though. Skilled rewarding work involving dirty hands, creating jobs and aiding the local economy is not wanted by the leadership of Sunderland City Council or its MPs. It is shameful that as leaders of what was the biggest shipbuilding town in the world, they do not support the reopening of the Pallion yard.
We thank you for taking the time to read this far, and urge you to support this petition.