What Are The Methods Of Ship Launching?

Ship Launching Airbag-Ship Launching Methods

Launching is an important step after the construction of a ship as it relates to the safety and service life of the ship. Choosing the right way of launching can ensure that the ship enters the water smoothly and safely. This can also control the speed, angle and direction to avoid damage.

There are several factors to consider when deciding how to launch. These include the type, size and weight of the vessel, as well as the conditions of the launch site. For example, larger boats require a more complex method, while smaller boats can use a simpler method. Henger summarizes four common ship launching methods:

  • Gravity Launch
  • Float-out launch
  • Mechanical launch
  • Airbag launch

Each method works best in different situations and has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one is especially important when launching at sea to make sure everything goes safely and correctly. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Table of Contents

Methods of launching different types of vessels

Gravity Launch

Gravity launching is an older method that utilizes gravity to slide a vessel into the water along a ramp called a chute. This method is currently used primarily for small to medium sized vessels. The main methods include:

  • Longitudinal oil-filled chute launching: Oil is added to the ramp to reduce friction and allow the boat to slide smoothly into the water.

  • Longitudinal steel roller chute launching: Steel rollers are used to reduce friction, making it better for heavier ships. The rollers help support the weight of the boat for a smooth launch.

  • Lateral oiled chute launching: This method is suitable for tight spaces. Friction is reduced by oiling the side chute, which allows the boat to slide sideways into the water.

The advantage of gravity launching is that it’s simple and low-cost, making it good for launches that don’t need fancy equipment. However, it is only suitable for certain types and sizes of boats and offers little control over the speed and direction of launching.

Float-out launching

Float-out launching is suitable for large ships and marine facilities. In this method, the ship is constructed in a dry dock. After the ship is completed, water is slowly added to the dry dock and then the ship floats into the water. This method is very safe and suitable for large ships. This is because it allows precise control over the entire process so that the ship remains balanced and stable while in the water.

The downside is that float-out launching is more expensive and needs special dry docks, which cost a lot to build and maintain.

Mechanical Launch

Mechanical launching utilizes machines to control ship launching. It’s great for ships that need more precise launching, especially large ships or ships in tricky conditions. The following are some common methods:

  • Longitudinal Mechanized Slip Launching: A machine such as a winch or towing device is used to push the ship into the water along a ramp. This method helps to control the speed and direction of the launch.

  • Two-Point Longitudinal Mechanized Chute Launch: This method uses two mechanical points to balance the vessel during launching, and is particularly useful for longer vessels.

  • Wedge Mechanized Vehicle Launch: A special wedge-shaped vehicle pushes the boat into the water. This method works well on sloping surfaces and can cope with varying terrain.

  • High-Low Track Glide Mechanized Launch: The vessel is guided into the water by tracks that control the path the vessel takes into the water. This method is used when the vessel needs a specific direction of launching.

The advantage of mechanical launching is that it is very precise and can be adjusted for different vessel sizes and complex launching situations. But it uses complex equipment, is expensive to install and maintain, and the process can be more difficult to manage.

Airbag launching

Airbag launching is a flexible way to roll the ship into the water by placing an inflatable airbag under the hull. This method is usually used for ships with special shapes or limited space. The advantage of airbag launching is that the airbags can be reused and adjusted, making them suitable for different types of vessels and temporary launches. The main risk is to ensure that the airbags are placed and inflated correctly. If not done carefully, the vessel may lose balance or have uneven pressure when rolling into the water.

Henger offers different types of Ship Launching airbags to meet the needs of a wide range of vessels to ensure a smooth and safe launch.In addition to this, we offer various types of Marine airbags to meet the needs of surface operations such as salvage/lifting.

By using these different methods, a vessel can be safely launched in a controlled manner depending on the circumstances. Each method has its own advantages, and choosing the right one will help keep the vessel safe and ensure a successful launch.

Vessel launching using marine airbags

What happens if the calculations are wrong?

Precise calculations and careful handling are very important when launching. If the calculations are wrong or mistakes are made during the launch, several problems can happen that affect the ship’s safety. Here are some common problems and risks:

Damage to the vessel: If uneven forces are applied during launching or ramps are not properly controlled, the vessel’s structure may be severely damaged. This damage may include dents, cracks, or even problems with the vessel moving through the water.

Off Track: Vessels are required to follow a specific path when launching. If the calculations are off, the ship might not follow the correct path, causing it to enter the water at a bad angle or even crash into the pier or other ships.

Loss of Speed: If the launching speed is not controlled, the vessel may enter the water at too fast a speed. This can result in damage to the boat or damage to the launching equipment. Fast launching may also result in a loss of control of the boat once in the water, increasing the chances of an accident.

To avoid these problems, the entire launching process must be carefully calculated and controlled. The correct launching method, site conditions and the size and weight of the boat must all be taken into account. Henger has a wealth of experience in this area and can provide you with expert advice to help ensure a smooth and safe launch.

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