Levingston Shipbuilding Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipbuilding, Offshore drilling platforms |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Founder | George Levingston |
| Defunct | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Orange, Texas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | George Levingston (founder), Edward T. Malloy (president) |
| Products | Vessels, Tank Barges, Tugboats, Offshore drilling platforms, Jack-up rigs, Drilling ships |
Levingston Shipbuilding Company was a maritime construction firm located in Orange, Texas along the Sabine River, established by George Levingston. Throughout World War II, the company produced vessels for the United States Naval Station Orange. George Levingston also gained controlling interest in the nearby Joseph Weaver and Son Shipyard. The enterprise traces its roots back to Samuel H. Levingston, who began operations in 1859.
Ships
The company’s inaugural vessel was launched in 1925, with its final ship completed in 1982 following acquisition by CEO Ed Paden. During the Second World War, Levingston specialized in constructing Tank Barges (Type B) and Tugboats (Type V).
Significant ships built include:
-
- (1963)
- (1963)
- (1968)
- (1968)
- 30 units out of 49 s
- ... ATA-125
- ...
- RV Pacific Escort I
- - Tank Barge
- Staten Island Ferry class Kennedy
Historical marker
A commemorative plaque at the original location reads:
In 1859, Samuel, David, and John Levingston emigrated from Ireland and acquired a shipyard where they constructed wooden vessels for more than three decades. Around 1919-1920, Samuel’s son, "Captain" George Levingston, founded his own shipbuilding enterprise. By 1930, he expanded operations by purchasing five acres at Front and Mill Streets in Orange, which became the company’s permanent base. Incorporated in 1933, the firm endured the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Edward T. Malloy joined as general manager in 1939 and later took over as president after securing majority ownership in 1945.
The advent of World War II triggered rapid expansion; Levingston began producing military craft prior to America’s official involvement and delivered its first wartime vessel—a 530-ton steel tugboat named Tuscarora—on December 13, 1941. From 1941 to 1945, the yard completed 160 vessels for the U.S. Navy and Army, including tugs, tankers, barges, and ocean-going rescue tugs. After the war, Levingston transformed into a worldwide leader in designing and fabricating offshore drilling platforms, jack-up rigs, and self-propelled drilling ships. It remained the sole American builder of all five offshore rig categories until it ceased operations in 1985.
In the mid-1970s, projects included constructing the drilling ship Glomar Java Sea for Global Marine and jack-up rigs such as Diamond 'M' Gem for Diamond 'M'. Subsequently, Ashland Chemical Company purchased the shipyard to manufacture rigs supporting its business needs.