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Headquarters Seattle, Washington, United States | ||
The Lake Union Drydock Company is a marine vessel large-scale dry dock and repair operation in Eastlake, Seattle. It is located near the Seattle Seaplanes on Lake Union, and about one and a half miles northwest of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitors Center on 5th Avenue (by the Space Needle). It operates two large-scale submersible floating dry docks, as well as shipbuilding and repair facilities.
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Company history
Founded in 1919 as "Lake Union Drydock And Machine Works", Lake Union Drydock is amongst the oldest businesses operating in Seattle. It retains the distinction of being the last remaining all-wooden dock in that city. In its earliest years the company was involved in the building of Roaring Twenties-era vessels, including the Principia, the Electra, and the M/V Catalyst.
World War II and beyond
During World War II, the company shifted its focus to wartime production, becoming a major client for naval contracts. That continues to this day, with clients such as the Washington State Ferries and NOAA. However, most of the company's work now centers around the maintenance and repair of large commercial cruise and fishing vessels. As the Eastlake neighborhood began to lose its industrial status, the company has added private yacht storage and mooring to its list of services, as well as leasing to a small plane tour company; also houseboats are now a common sight alongside fish processing tankers and luxury liners. The company has worked on the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's Farley Mowat vessel, as well as historic restorations for Northwest Seaport and the Center for Wooden Boats.
Company longevity
Lake Union Drydock has survived, largely due to its focus on high quality workmanship and value to the customer - whether they be the Government or a commercial fishing business.