Slipway

A slipway is a ramp on the shore by which ships and other vessels can be moved to and from the water. They are used for repairing and sometimes building ships and boats.

As the word "slip" implies, the ships or large boats slide over the ramp. Prior to the move the vessel's keel is coated with grease, which then allows the ship or boat to "slip" off the ramp and progress safely into the water. Slipways are used to launch (newly built) large ships, but can only dry-dock or repair smaller ships.

Pulling large ships against the greased ramp would require too much force. Therefore, for dry-docking large ships, one must use carriages supported by wheels or by roller-pallets. These types of dry-docking installations are called "marine railways". Nevertheless the words "slip" and "slipway" are also used for all dry-docking installations that use a ramp.