Car Harkins on Instagram: "⚓ The Birth of a Ship Launching a ship is a major milestone in shipbuilding—marking the vessel’s first time in the water. Large ships are launched in one of three ways: 🔹 Slipway – The ship slides down a ramp into the sea. 🔹 Float-Out – Built in a dry dock, then floated as water fills the basin. 🔹 Side Launch – Entering the water broadside, often in tight spaces. Before launch, ships are often christened—a sponsor breaks a champagne bottle on the bow and gives the s