Lake Union Dry Dock Company
 |
This article appears to be written like an advertisement. Please help improve it by rewriting promotional content from a neutral point of view and removing any inappropriate external links. (February 2008) |
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2007) |
The Lake Union Dry Dock Company is a marine vessel large-scale dry dock and repair operation in Seattle's Eastlake district. It is located near ZymoGenetics, directly across from the Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation. It currently operates two large-scale submersible floating dry docks, as well as numerous shipbuilding and repair facilities, all of which are located on the water.
Contents |
[edit] Company history
Founded in 1919 as "Lake Union Dry Dock And Machine Works", Lake Union Dry Dock is amongst the oldest businesses still currently 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 directly involved in the principle shipbuilding of numerous Roaring Twenties-era vessels, including the Principia, the Electra, and the M/V 'Catalyst.
[edit] World War II and beyond
During World War II, the company shifted its focus to wartime production, becoming a major client for numerous naval contracts. That continues to this day, with clients such as the Washington State Ferries and NOAA. However, most of the company's principal work now centers around the maintenance and repair of large commercial cruise and fishing vessels. In recent times,[when?] 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 massive fish processing tankers and luxury liners. In recent years,[when?] the company has worked on vessels as varied as the Sea Shepard's Farley Mowat vessel, as well as historic restorations for the Center for Wooden Boats.
[edit] Company Longevity
In recent years, numerous midsized dock companies and other comparable businesses have struggled to maintain profit margins. However, Lake Union Dry Dock has managed to survive and retain its business, largely due to the government and large fish-processing contracts it has received.
[edit] References
- ^ "Lake Union Drydock Company". at Lake Union Park. http://www.atlakeunionpark.org/history/historic-sites/lake-union-drydock-company. Retrieved 2009-02-24.
