Lake Union Dry Dock Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipbuilding and ship repair |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Founder | Otis Cutting, John McLean |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington , United States |
| Products | Vessel repairs and conversions, shipbuilding |
Number of employees | 140 (approximate, 1994) |
Lake Union Dry Dock Company is a comprehensive shipyard facility located in Seattle, Washington, specializing in vessel repairs and conversions. The yard accommodates drydocking of ships up to and in length, servicing a diverse fleet that includes factory trawlers, fishing boats, Coast Guard Cutters, buoy tenders, tugboats, research vessels, ferries, mega-yachts, barges, and houseboats.
Founded in 1919 by Otis Cutting and John McLean, the shipyard is situated on the eastern shoreline of Lake Union. Recognized as one of the oldest continuous shipyards in the United States, its proximity to the Ballard Locks provides protection from tidal fluctuations, marine organisms, and the corrosive saltwater typical of Puget Sound, thereby improving operational reliability and extending asset lifespan.
Company history
The Lake Union Dry Dock Company was established in 1919 when Otis Cutting and John McLean purchased waterfront land on Lake Union. From 1920 through 1954, the firm constructed 63 vessels, predominantly non-yacht types. During the era of Prohibition, to counteract rum-running activities along the western coasts of the U.S. and Canada, the U.S. Coast Guard commissioned the company to build fifteen 75-foot patrol boats (designated CG-263 to CG-277), which ensured both financial stability and enhanced reputation for quality craftsmanship.
In 1923, Cutting and McLean recruited R.M. Mooney, formerly associated with Marmon Automobiles, who brought assembly line production methods inspired by Henry Ford. This innovation led to the creation of the Lake Union Dreamboat—a standardized cruiser designed to democratize yachting.
Between 1928 and 1930, Lake Union Dry Dock partnered with yacht designer Ted Geary to produce four 96-foot fantail yachts—Principia, Blue Peter, Electra, and Canim—exemplifying traditional design paired with exquisite woodwork. The company also built two sailing yachts named Pirate and Circe; both vessels remained operational through 2019.
Second World War
During World War II, operating under the joint venture Associated Shipbuilders alongside Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company on Harbor Island, Lake Union Dry Dock constructed a limited series of yard minesweepers for the U.S. Navy. This included building eighteen units of the 481 YMS-1 class minesweepers.
Post WWII
In 1946, attorney Harry Jones and marine engineer George H. Stebbins purchased Lake Union Dry Dock Company, establishing a family enterprise spanning multiple generations. Despite a challenging post-war market environment, the company capitalized on its expertise in ship repairs to maintain business growth.
During the Korean War period (1952–1953), Lake Union Dry Dock secured a contract to build four minesweepers measuring 144 feet each—this project marked their final multi-vessel construction undertaking.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the firm shifted its primary focus toward vessel modifications and repair work. This strategic pivot aligned with Alaska’s rapid economic expansion during that time. The surge in maritime traffic alongside increased U.S. Coast Guard operations in Alaska created consistent demand for maintenance services. Additionally, Lake Union Dry Dock became a key provider for ferry overhauls within the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The enactment of the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in 1976 stimulated growth within Alaska’s fishing sector. Consequently, Lake Union Dry Dock emerged as a leading repair facility for North Pacific factory trawlers. The shipyard routinely serviced several factory trawlers ranging from 200 to 300 feet simultaneously by adjusting its workforce size and specialized equipment accordingly.
In that same year, the company acquired the former USS White Sands (ARD-20), an auxiliary repair dock vessel. Navigating this large floating dry dock through the narrow Hiram M. Chittenden Locks necessitated innovative ballast heeling methods to ensure safe passage.
Maintenance of wooden vessels remained a significant aspect of operations, especially regarding naval minesweepers. After the Gulf War in 1990, Lake Union Dry Dock prepared Seattle-based Minesweeper Offshore (MSO) ships for deployment to the Persian Gulf region.
In 1994, a major contract was awarded by the Taiwanese Navy for refurbishing and transporting four MSOs to Taiwan. This extensive assignment required a workforce of approximately 140 skilled tradespeople—including around 70 shipwrights recruited from Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and British Columbia—and involved training Taiwanese maintenance crews. The completed vessels were shipped aboard a heavy lift carrier deck-loaded by Lake Union Dry Dock. This project marked the conclusion of the company’s involvement with wooden naval minesweepers.
From 1995 until 2001, Lake Union Dry Dock partnered with the Virginia V Foundation on restoring Virginia V, recognized as the last functioning wooden steam-powered passenger ship of its kind.
Company today
By 2019, Lake Union Dry Dock Company had reached its 103rd anniversary as a comprehensive shipyard offering specialized services in vessel maintenance and modifications. The company’s extensive experience encompasses repairs for factory trawlers, longliners, catcher boats, deep sea and harbor tugs, barges, as well as US Coast Guard vessels including buoy tenders and cutters. Additionally, it services Washington State Ferries, NOAA ships, large yachts, and a variety of commercial vessels. This broad spectrum of work highlights the company’s enduring presence and expertise within the maritime sector.