Cammell Laird's shipyard has brought tremendous benefit to the social and economic fabric of the area. For Ian Collard, who grew up in the Wirrall, it was a place he always imagined being there. However, severe competition from European and Far Eastern shipyards and the move to 'high technology' employment threatened its future. Furthermore, yards like Cammell Laird suffered when the size, type and numbers of naval ships were reduced.

Ian Collard's interest in ships and shipping developed over the years as he witnessed the launch of many famous, illustrious ships, such as the Mauretania. He takes us on a voyage of discovery with absorbing captions to over 100 photographs of the vessels at Cammell Laird and the yard itself, which will appeal to ship enthusiasts and local people alike.