Sail back in time to a major island industry beautifully illustrated by Martin Mörck in Jersey Post’s most recent stamp issue, The History of Shipbuilding in Jersey. Issued on 15 August 2025, the set includes six line drawings of people, places and ships instrumental to the rise of the industry.
During the 19th century, Jersey was a central hub for shipbuilding due to the need of vessels for global voyagers, cod fishing, wartime and local trade. Jersey’s no-taxation policy and plentiful harbours provided an excellent opportunity for the island to produce world-class, high-quality ships for a fraction of the cost from larger exporters such as Britain.
To give an overall view of the industry, Jersey Post’s Philatelic department have included insights into the islands’ shipyards, three acclaimed ships and a prominent shipyard owner whose yard built ‘The Gemini’ a world-class vessel which has made an appearance on Jersey’s 1993 pound coin.
As someone who learnt how to build boats and vessels during his early life and continues the skill as a side hobby, artist Martin Mörck was well placed to illustrate this issue. When discussing his thoughts on ships Martin often quotes his father who said: “Only two things in the world have to be created in perfect harmony, music and ships.”
The History of Shipbuilding in Jersey includes a set of six stamps, a souvenir sheetlet, first day covers and presentation packs, which go into further detail about each stamp featured within the issue.
