Ceremonial ship launching

Ceremonial ship launching is a special event that celebrates when a new ship is put into the water for the first time. This tradition has been used for thousands of years in many cultures around the world. It combines public celebration with a solemn blessing, often happening at the exact moment the ship is launched.

Launching a ship is not just a simple event. It puts a lot of stress on the ship, which is much bigger and heavier than during normal use. Engineers must carefully plan how to do it safely. At the same time, it becomes a grand public spectacle that many people enjoy watching.

One of the most famous parts of these ceremonies is christening. This usually involves breaking a sacrificial bottle of champagne over the bow of the ship. As this happens, the ship's name is called out loud, and the vessel begins to slide into the water. These traditions are meant to invite good luck for the ship's journey ahead.

Methods

There are three main ways to move a new ship from where it is built into the water. Two of these ways are called "launching". The oldest and most common way is the end-on launch. In this method, the ship slides down a sloped path, usually starting from the back part of the ship called the stern. Another way is the side launch, where the ship enters the water from its side. This method became popular in the 19th century and was used a lot during World War II. The third way is called float-out. This is used for ships built in special areas that can be filled with water, allowing the ship to float out.

Usually, the paths for launching are set up straight from the shore, with the ship's stern facing the water. Sometimes, if the water is narrow, the paths might be at an angle. Modern paths are made from strong concrete and have special supports below the water level. The ship is built on temporary supports and later moved onto special sliding paths. When it is time to launch, the ship is ready to slide down the path and float on its own.

Some paths are built so the ship can launch from its side when the water space is too small for the usual way. This was used for very large ships and small boats during World War II. This way needs more support paths under the ship.

Main article: Airbag launching

Sometimes, ships are launched using a row of inflated tubes under the hull. These tubes let air out to create a slope into the water. This method needs less permanent setup, is safer, and costs less. The tubes support the ship's hull and help it move into the water. These tubes are usually long and round with rounded ends.

Traditions

Long ago, many cultures had special traditions when a new ship was put into the water. Ancient peoples like the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans asked their gods to protect sailors. For example, Greeks honored Poseidon, the god of the sea, by wearing olive branches, drinking wine, and pouring water on the ship as a blessing. They even put small shrines on their ships to keep them safe.

Different cultures had their own ways of celebrating. Jews and Christians used wine and water and asked God for protection. In the Ottoman Empire, people prayed to Allah, sacrificed sheep, and had feasts to celebrate a new ship.

In the 1600s, ship launches in Catholic countries still had religious parts, but in Protestant Europe, these traditions stopped for a while. By the 17th century, launches in England were more like parties. For the launch of the ship Prince Royal in 1610, important people attended. One tradition was to use a special cup filled with wine. When the ship started to slide into the water, someone would take a sip from the cup and pour the rest over the ship. Later, this tradition changed to breaking a bottle on the ship's bow instead.

By country

Launching a ship is like celebrating the birth of a new vessel. People have performed special ceremonies for this event throughout history, often to wish for good luck and safety for the new ship.

Canada

In Canada, Aboriginal peoples perform ceremonies when ships are launched, along with other methods.

France

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, French ship launchings included unique rites similar to marriage and baptism. A godfather would present a godmother with flowers as they both said the ship's name. Instead of breaking a bottle, a priest would bless the ship with holy water.

India

In India, ships have traditionally been launched with a Puja ceremony dedicated to a Hindu god or goddess. Historically, Hindu priests performed this ceremony. In the 20th century, a lady would break a coconut on the bow of the ship, sometimes followed by a small Puja.

Japan

Japanese ship launchings use silver axes believed to bring good luck and scare away bad spirits. Shipbuilders make a special axe for each new ship, which is given to the owner after the ceremony. The axe is used to cut the rope that holds the ship in place.

United Kingdom

Sponsors of British warships were often members of the royal family, senior naval officers, or Admiralty officials. Sometimes civilians were invited, and women began sponsoring ships in the 19th century. In 1875, Princess Alexandra added a religious element by introducing an Anglican choral service.

In 1969, Queen Elizabeth II named the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 after herself. In 2014, she named the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth by breaking a bottle of single malt Scotch whisky. The Duchess of Rothesay launched HMS Prince of Wales in a similar way.

At a 2024 launch, welder Beth Atkinson named the CalMac ferry Glen Rosa by breaking a bottle of whisky.

United States

Ceremonial practices for launching ships in the United States began in Europe. During the American Revolutionary War, the launch of the frigate Raleigh was celebrated by thousands. Builders often celebrated with feasts for the workers.

The first known American warship christening was for Constitution in 1797, when Captain James Sever broke a bottle of Madeira over the bow. Other ships were launched with various traditions, including military salutes and music.

In 1828, a young lady from Portsmouth sponsored the Concord. The first identified woman sponsor was Lavinia Fanning Watson, who broke a bottle of wine over the Germantown in 1846.

Women became common sponsors, though not always. Some ships were christened by sailors or builders. Different liquids have been used, including wine, whisky, brandy, water, and even cider.

During World War II, formal ceremonies were often simplified due to wartime conditions.

In recent history, all U.S. Navy sponsors have been women. They break a champagne bottle on the bow and stay in contact with the ship's crew for special events.