Lake Union Dry Dock Company

The Lake Union Dry Dock company

The Lake Union Drydock Company is a marine vessel large-scale dry dock and repair operation in Eastlake, Seattle. It is located near ZymoGenetics, directly across from the Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation. It operates two large-scale submersible floating dry docks, as well as shipbuilding and repair facilities.

Company history

Founded in 1919 as "Lake Union Drydock And Machine Works", Lake Union Drydock is amongst the oldest businesses operating in Seattle.^[1] 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 the Center for Wooden Boats.

Company longevity

Lake Union Drydock has survived, largely due to the government and large fish-processing contracts it has received.

References