J (Judith) Siegel, MA

Biography

PhD research Dutch Shipbuilding 1914-1936. The research focuses on the strategies of major shipyards to survive a prolonged period of economic and political uncertainty. Rapid advances in technology and ship design required continuous modernisation of shipyard facilities. In the face of fierce competition, innovation could make all the difference. The study, therefore, analyses how the Dutch shipbuilding industry used the emerging knowledge infrastructure in the Netherlands. Shipyards also tried to solve their problems through cooperation and mergers. The main customers for repairs and new construction were the large Dutch shipping companies, which designed their ships and commissioned shipyards to build them. By studying the relationship between shipbuilders and shipping companies, the study provides insight into the structure of the Dutch maritime industry and who exactly had the upper hand. Sources used for this research include company archives, nautical journals, newspapers, and ship registers. This research contributes to the fields of business history, maritime history and economic history.