PHOTOS: 4 giant cranes pass West Seattle, headed for Tacoma

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Updated photo, 1:59 pm)

1:27 PM: We’re at Alki, where the heavy-lift ship Zhen Hua 31 is in view in the distance, headed this way, carrying 4 huge “super-post-Panamax” cranes – lift height of 165 feet – to the Port of Tacoma. Backstory is in our Monday preview. The Northwest Seaport Allianc tells us that, as was the case when a similar delivery was made a year ago, the ship will be pausing to change pilots, so it’s likely to be in view a while.

1:53 PM: The ship is at the bay’s entrance now.

(This photo and next by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

2:22 PM: Back out of the bay now.

Should be visible a while longer from west-facing West Seattle.

(Photo by Lynn Hall)

3:04 PM: Now out of West Seattle waters, passing Burien. (More photos added)

(This photo and next by David Hutchinson)

And yes, we’ll see cranes like these headed for West Seattle’s Terminal 5 eventually – the NWSA says the modernization project to make T-5 big-ship-ready will include them.

ADDED 7:15 AM WEDNESDAY: For some reason the Zhen Hua 31, cranes and all, sailed back up here at some point and is now off West Seattle again. Trying to find out why.

flynlo March 5, 2019 (2:13 pm)

Gotta wonder how many additional tons of pollution are created by the detour into Elliot Bay to pick up a new pilot as apposed to the new pilot coming out to the vessel in a small boat! Also noticed that a ship more than twice the size just motored by the entrance to Elliot Bay, headed for the same port at more than twice the speed didn’t need to stop for a new pilot! Gov. Jay has a LOT of work to do to convince some people of the validity of climate change!

WSB March 5, 2019 (2:30 pm)

It was not a major or lengthy detour, nor was the one last year. Just enough into the mouth of the bay maybe for a little bit less wind as the pilot change was made (and yes, the new pilot comes out by boat).

James Tilley March 6, 2019 (6:18 am)

Looks like it is back in Elliot Bay, noticed it when heading for the 6:15 water taxi.

WSB March 6, 2019 (7:14 am)

Yes, we’re trying to find out why. I stopped watching it on MarineTraffic.com yesterday when it was south of Burien.
Cheryl March 6, 2019 (7:40 am)

Just saw it go past Vashon, heading south. (Wed March 6, 7:30 AM) Pretty impressive sight, even from my vantage point up on Vashon Heights. Thanks for the interesting info and the amazing photos TR, wow!

Jim March 6, 2019 (6:20 am)

Beautiful photos.It always makes me chuckle to see the cranes we import from China floating by on their way to unloading all the plastic crap we buy from China.

Guy Olson March 6, 2019 (5:01 pm)

Did you write a letter or are you using a plastic device made in China to comment on this?
- Jim March 7, 2019 (12:27 am)
  
  I’m swimming in stuff bought from China unloaded by crains imported from China. I don’t have a problem with that, it’s just interesting to see our deep reliance on China to fuel our consumer culture.