Ames Shipbuilding and Drydock Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipbuilding |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Founder | Edgar Ames |
| Defunct | 1956 |
| Fate | Transitioned to Ames Terminal Company; terminal assets acquired by Port of Seattle in 1955 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington , United States |
| Products | Cargo ships, steel tankers |
The Ames Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, established in 1916 by Edgar Ames in Seattle, Washington, was a prominent shipbuilding company. Throughout World War I, the shipyard constructed a total of 25 vessels for the United States Shipping Board, comprising 23 cargo ships and 2 steel tankers. Following the conclusion of the war, the site transitioned to the Ames Terminal Company, which operated until 1955 when its terminal assets were acquired by the Port of Seattle.
History
Businessman Edgar Ames founded the company, with construction commencing in December 1916 and production underway by March 1917. The facility included four shipways, a dry dock, and auxiliary workshops such as blacksmith, machine, and boiler shops. Positioned on the Duwamish West Waterway, directly across from Harbor Island in Elliott Bay, it emerged as a key shipbuilding location in the region.
During the First World War, Ames primarily produced vessels to meet the U.S. government's wartime maritime demands. In January 1919, labor unrest impacted operations when workers at Ames participated in a citywide shipyard strike that escalated into the Seattle General Strike. Although the strike did not achieve wage increases, it represented a significant labor movement affecting the maritime sector.
In December 1920, ownership of Ames’ facilities and equipment transferred to Seattle Contract Company, which intended to dismantle the yard; however, Ames retained ownership of the land. The Ames Terminal Company was formed in 1922 to oversee cargo handling at the former shipyard location, notably managing salmon shipments for Libby, McNeill & Libby. This terminal continued functioning until its acquisition by the Port of Seattle in 1955. Today, the site is incorporated into Port of Seattle's Terminal 5.
According to city directories, Ames Shipbuilding & Drydock Company ceased operations around 1956, while Ames Terminal Company remained active into the early 1960s.