Ask Seattlest: Why Are the Cranes Orange?

Dear Seattlest: A simple question. Why are the cranes orange?

The short answer, according to the Port of Seattle: The cranes are orange...because they are orange.

The long answer: There are 19 cranes in the harbor. The very special paint (withstands all the various elements that such cranes might encounter) lasts for 20 years. Therefore, the crew paints only one crane per year. Since the cranes are already orange--the most visible color available among these special paints--and since crane color consistency is of importance--the cranes are orange and will stay orange indefinitely. The Port also says the orange "adds brightness to the harbor."

We agree.