Launching Ships

.

5 Ship Launches That Went Wrong - Oceanliner Designs > .

A ship launching slipway comprises a ramp that slopes down to the water from the shipyard. This procedure has been largely used for launching newly made or repaired ships.

Gravitational launching is divided into three main types, longitudinal oiled slideway launching, longitudinal steel-roller slideway launching, and side oiled slideway launching.

• Longitudinal oiled slideway launching - the ship slides on a slideway and under its own weight enters the water. Typically, oil or wax is used to assist in this process. This method employs simple equipment and can be used for vessels with a variety of tonnage and types.
• Longitudinal steel-roller slideway launching - steel rollers are used instead of oil, which reduces friction during sliding. This method is the most effective and easiest to initiate, but initial installation is costly.
• Side oiled slideway launching requires the ship to have great stability and power.

Floating-out type launching – is simple, effective, and overall, a safe procedure. The method is employed when ships are built in dry-docks. Launch is effected by filling the dock with water. Although initial construction cost is high, the method is popular.

Mechanical type launching – relies upon mechanical launching. Mechanical methods are typically used for smaller vessels, not large, high tonnage ships.

Airbag launching is safe and innovative. Typically, the reinforced-rubber airbags are cylindrical in shape with hemispherical heads at both ends. The method can be used in all types and sizes of vessels.

Harland & Wolff, Shipbuilders, Belfast ..

Launching Ships ..

Marine Infrastructure ..

Shipbuilding Industry ..

Warships - Evolution ..