slipway

A slipway is a structure along a shoreline or within a harbor that provides access between land and the water for launching, retrieving, or constructing vessels. It typically consists of a sloped surface made of concrete, timber, or steel, extending from a dry area into the water, and is supported by rails, tracks, or rollers that carry a cradle or skid on which a vessel is built or moved.

In shipyards and boatyards, vessels are constructed or repaired on a cradle that rests on rails on the slipway. The cradle supports the hull; after launch, the cradle may slide into the water while the vessel floats free, or the vessel may be moved off the cradle as it reaches the water. Launching is usually achieved by gravity, with assistance from winches, cables, hydraulics, or temporary cranes. Some slipways include mechanisms to control floatation or to recover the cradle after launch.

Slipways vary in scale from small ramps used for boats to large industrial facilities capable of handling substantial ships. They are often used for initial launching, hull assembly, and repairs, and may be part of a larger dry-dock complex. Maintenance is important to prevent erosion, corrosion, and damage to rails or rollers, and operations must consider tidal range, scour, and weather exposure.

Historically central to traditional shipbuilding, slipways facilitated the transition of vessels from land to water before the proliferation of floating dry docks. Today they remain in use for smaller vessels and in certain regional shipyards, while larger ships are typically launched from more complex facilities. Safety practices emphasize secure cradle seating, proper restraints, and coordination with harbor operations.