New London Ship and Engine Company
| Industry | Diesel engines |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 |
| Founder | Lawrence York Spear |
| Fate | Dissolved circa 1925 |
| Headquarters | Groton, Connecticut |
Key people |
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| Products | Diesel engines |
The New London Ship and Engine Company (NELSECO), based in Groton, Connecticut, operated as a subsidiary of the Electric Boat Company and focused on producing diesel engines.
History
In approximately 1909, Electric Boat secured rights to manufacture MAN diesel engines. Production initially took place at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, where most early Electric Boat submarines were subcontracted for construction. Due to difficulties in manufacturing, NELSECO was formed in Groton to take over diesel engine production from Fore River, completing engines that had been started there. Throughout its existence as an Electric Boat subsidiary, NELSECO supplied engines for the E- and F-class submarines launched during 1911–12; however, these engines were replaced by 1915 because of reliability concerns. The company was officially incorporated on October 11, 1910, with manufacturing operations beginning in July 1911.
NELSECO also provided the propulsion system for the United States’ first diesel-powered yacht, the Idealia, which was launched by the Electric Launch Company (Elco) in 1912. Owned by Elco until 1916, Idealia served as a demonstration platform for diesel technology in marine applications. Initially, it was equipped with a reversible, air-started two-cycle engine featuring six working cylinders rated at 150 horsepower at 550 rpm. By February 1915, this engine was replaced with a NELSECO four-cycle unit delivering 120 horsepower.
The company presumably ceased operations around 1925 after completing its final batch of engines for the United States S-class submarine. The absence of submarine contracts awarded to Electric Boat between 1918 and 1931 significantly contributed to NELSECO’s decline.
Founders
- President: Lawrence York Spear
- Vice-president and General Manager: Frank Cable
- Vice-president: Gregory C. Davison
- Secretary and Treasurer: Henry R. Bond
- Directors: Isaac Rice, Elihu B. Frost, Stacey C. Richmond, William H. Reeves, T.A. Scott
Legacy
The Nelseco Navigation Company (also known as Interstate Navigation Co.) provides ferry services to Block Island, Rhode Island. Two vessels bearing the name NELSECO were launched—the first in 1917 (decommissioned around 1972) and a second in 1981 (retired circa 2010).
See also
- Electro-Dynamic Company (affiliate company)
- Submarine Boat Company (affiliate company)
- Electric Launch Company (Elco) (affiliate company)