Ships have been an essential mode of transportation for thousands of years, but have you ever wondered why ships are launched sideways? While many boats are launched nose-first, larger ships are often launched sideways in a process known as “side-launching.” This method may seem odd, but there are several important reasons why ships are launched in this way.
The first reason is the size of the ship. Large ships are incredibly heavy, with many weighing over 100,000 tons. Launching a ship nose-first requires a lot of space for the ship to pick up speed and enough water depth to avoid striking the bottom. Side-launching a ship requires less space and can make use of existing infrastructure such as a dock to support the ship’s weight during the launch.
Another reason for side-launching is safety. Launching a large ship nose-first is risky as the weight distribution is uneven and most of the weight is on the front of the ship, making it easier for it to tip over. Side-launching allows the ship to slide into the water naturally and remain balanced throughout the process, reducing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, side-launching can be more cost-effective. A shipyard may not have enough space to build a ship facing the water, but it may have the necessary space to build a ship parallel to the water. Side-launching eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure modifications and allows the shipyard to use existing facilities.
Finally, side-launching can make for a more visually stunning experience. Many shipyards host launch ceremonies for new vessels, and side-launching can make for a more dramatic and exciting event. Watching a massive ship slide sideways into the water is a sight to behold, and it has become a popular event for ship enthusiasts to witness.
While side-launching may seem like an unconventional way to launch a ship, the reasons behind it are sound. From reducing risk and saving space to cost-effectiveness and visual appeal, side-launching has become the go-to method for launching large ships. So the next time you witness a ship being launched sideways, you’ll know why it’s being done that way.