slipways

Slipways are ramp-like structures built along shorelines or riverbanks to facilitate the launching and recovery of vessels. They provide a controlled incline by which a boat or ship can be moved between land and water, usually using a supporting cradle on rails or rollers and a winch or hydraulic system.

Construction and components typical fixed slipways are concrete or timber ramps with steel rails or rollers. A cradle supports the hull; in larger facilities, the cradle is moved by winches or hydraulics. Some slipways are floating or movable to adjust to changing tidal conditions, allowing launching at different water levels.

Operation involves hauling the vessel onto the cradle, securing it, and launching by releasing blocks or backing the cradle into the water, often by gravity, winches, or ballast adjustments. Recovery reverses the process. Types include fixed slipways and floating slipways, with some portable or modular variants used for temporary needs or smaller craft.

Applications are broad, including shipyards, maintenance facilities, and marinas, where boats and small ships are built, repaired, or routinely launched and retrieved. They accommodate a range of vessels from fishing boats to small cargo or passenger craft, and in some cases military ships.

Maintenance and safety are important, requiring regular inspection of the ramp, rails, and cradle, as well as anti-slip treatments and corrosion protection. Environmental considerations include turbidity and sediment disturbance during launching, and careful management of fuels and waste during operations.