In the photo to left, the ship Bayport is slowly lifted from the water, resting on the deck of a floating drydock.  This scene is playing out this morning off the Fairhaven waterfront, as this view from Marine Park shows.  The drydock even has a name - the Faithful Servant - and is part of the Fairhaven Shipyard complex.  The drydock actually sank itself so the Bayport could float over it and now the drydock is pumping water out of itself so as to rise and lift the ship Bayport.  It will then be towed back to the shipyard which is next to Marine Park.  

Yes, this floating drydock operates just as does the huge Dockwise Vanguard lifted the Shell floating oil drilling rig.  But our drydock is 300 feet long, compared to 900 feet for the larger Vanguard.  And ours stays right here on our Bellingham waterfront.

The Bayport is a dredging barge, 303 feet long and 3,541 tons.  It is used around Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.  While on the drydock for about a month, it will have repairs and maintenance - mostly welding work. It will be easily visible on the Fairhaven waterfront as one drives south on the Boulevard. 

Since the 1800s, ships have been built and repaired at the shipyards in Fairhaven.  While the historic village is well known for its laid back ambience, art shops and dining, its residents have always and strongly supported a working waterfront.  The shipyard has refurbished Alaska ferries, Washington State ferries and US Coast Guard vessels.  The shipyard rents the property from the Port of Bellingham.