Some slipways are built so that the vessel is side-on to the water and is launched sideways. This is done where the limitations of the water channel would not allow lengthwise launching, but occupies a much greater length of shore. The Great Eastern designed by Brunel was built this way, as were many landing craft during World War II. This method requires many more sets of ways to support the weight of the ship.

A sideways launch is always an impressive event that requires a safe and controlled execution.

Ceremonial ship launching involves the performance of ceremonies associated with the process of transferring a vessel to the water. It is a nautical tradition in many cultures, dating back thousands of years, to accompany the physical process with ceremonies which have been observed as public celebration and a solemn blessing, usually but not always, in association with the launch itself.

Ship launching imposes stresses on the ship not met during normal operation and, in addition to the size and weight of the vessel, represents a considerable engineering challenge as well as a public spectacle.

Credits first video: U.S. Navy video courtesy of Lockheed Martin. MARINETTE, Wisc. (July 1, 2017)

The U.S. Navy's future USS Billings (LCS 15) launches sideways into the Menominee River in Marinette, Wisconsin, following its christening by ship sponsor Sharla Tester. Once commissioned, LCS 15 will be the first ship of its name in naval service.

Derivative work: Engineering and Architecture

More information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremon...
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