Shiplift

A shiplift is a modern alternative for a slipway, a floating dry dock or a graving dry dock. A shiplift is used to dry dock and launch ships. It consists of a structural platform that is lifted and lowered exactly vertically, synchronously by a number of hoists. First, the platform is lowered underwater, then the ship is floated above the support, and finally the platform with support and ship is lifted and the ship is brought to the level of the quay. A shiplift is a modern alternative for a slipway, a floating dry dock or a graving dry dock. A shiplift is used to dry dock and launch ships. It consists of a structural platform that is lifted and lowered exactly vertically, synchronously by a number of hoists. First, the platform is lowered underwater, then the ship is floated above the support, and finally the platform with support and ship is lifted and the ship is brought to the level of the quay. Nowadays, shiplift are most of the time supplied under rules of a classification authority. Lloyd's Register of Shipping is the authority with most experience in the certification or classification of shiplifts. Whereas 'shiplift' is the word that is normally used, the term used by Lloyd's register is 'Mechanical Lift Dock'. It will be discerned between two different kinds of platform design, the articulated and the rigid. The articulated platform has hinged connections between the main and the longitudinal beams, this type is amongst other things favored by Syncrolift and TTS. At the rigid platform, the beams are bolted or welded together. The advantage of the rigid system is a better load distribution and the safety against rope break. This type is amongst other things favored by WETEC Group and TTS. The Syncrolift System was invented by Raymond Pearlson, who was later awarded the Sperry Award for the invention, development and worldwide implementation of a new system for lifting ships out of the water for repair and for launching new ship construction.