Ships from other ports frequented the Lough for purposes of trade; but in course of time the Belfast merchants supplied themselves with ships of their own.

In 1791 one William Ritchie, a sturdy North Briton, brought with him from Glasgow ten men and a quantity of shipbuilding materials.

He gradually increased the number of his workmen, and proceeded to build a few sloops.

He reclaimed some land from the sea, and made a shipyard and graving dock on what was known as Corporation Ground.

In November 1800 the new graving dock, near the bridge, was opened for the reception of vessels.