Ship lift

A ship lift is a mechanical hoist that raises a vessel vertically out of the water on a cradle or platform, then transfers it ashore for repair or storage. The platform is lowered on synchronized winches or hydraulic jacks, the ship is floated over and grounded on the cradle, and the platform is hoisted, after which the vessel is moved by rail or trolley to a hardstanding. A synchrolift is the proprietary winch-driven type. Lifting capacity is rated in tonnes and set by the number and rating of the hoists and the platform’s longitudinal strength. It is an alternative to a graving dock or a floating dock, with lower civil cost and parallel berths served by a transfer system.