Shipyard story since the 1950s
Sietas and its Ships (Part 1) by Bernard McCall
The JJ Sietas shipyard of Hamburg has been in operation since 1635. In this book, Bernard McCall doesn’t go back quite that far – only to the 1950s when production increased – but there’s still enough history to fill more than one volume.
In Part 1, McCall concentrates on cargo ships, with a few other vessels to show the variety produced by Sietas. 93 full-colour photographs show the shipyard’s output – mainly coasters – and each picture is accompanied by a short but detailed account of the vessel history and fate. It’s a pleasure to discover that some of the older vessels are still serving to the present day.
Regular readers of the Nautilus Telegraph's book review pages will be familiar with the good work of Coastal Shipping Publications. There’s no doubt that this is a niche volume, as usual, but those who have served aboard a Sietas-built vessel or who are fans of the shipyard will be well satisfied.
Sietas and its Ships (Part 1)
By Bernard McCall
Coastal Shipping Publications, £16.50
ISBN: 978 19137 97010
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Eclectic thoughts from a familiar writer
Short Story, Verse, Commentary, by Colin H ColesKnown for his nautical novels under the pen name Sam Grant, author Colin Coles has branched out into other literary forms in his own name.
Navigating sailors towards new ideas
Ultimate Sailing Adventures, by Miles KendallThe book contains all kinds of sailing ideas for those who like to live on the edge. A fine selection of full-colour photographs make the work a nice addition to your coffee table, and will perhaps spark off some epic journeys.
The launches that give our vessels life
A History of Ship Launches and their Ceremonies, by George Hodgkinson'The form varies from one country to another, according to custom and religion, but the sentiment that lies behind all launching rituals is fear', writes author George Hodgkinson, in a readable book that shows ship launches are about much more than just smashing a bottle of wine.
Two new takes on the Arctic Convoys
Arctic Convoys, by David Kenyon, and Allied Convoys to Northern Russia 1941–1945, by William SmithIt took Merchant Navy campaigners decades to win UK government recognition for the seafarers who had taken part in the gruelling Arctic Convoys during the Second World War. Interest in the convoys is now high, with two new books released in recent months.