Ship Launching Compilation Videos Many Shipyards located at river banks use SLIPWAYS OR AIRBAGS for launching the vessel. Slipways launch vessels either through the sides or by the end. In some shipyards, large vessels are built in building docks (like drydock) and the ship is floated once the hull is completed. Building docks is economical compared to slipway launching. Work can be carried out in several stages. For e.g superstructure and cargo tanks can be built separately and then welded together in the dock. The level base at the dock simplifies the construction process. (for e.g alignment of structural blocks.) Possibility of structural damage to vessel due to large stresses during slipway launch. Once the vessel is launched, the remaining shipbuilding jobs are completed after the vessel is floated. Thanks For Watching Like... Share.... Subscribe.....