Why Are Ships Launched with Champagne?

When you see a ship launched, there is almost always one moment everyone remembers: a bottle of champagne hitting the bow and breaking into a spray of foam. The scene feels festive and symbolic, but shipowners often ask the same question—why champagne, and why this ritual?
Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.

A quick answer for busy shipowners

Champagne is used during a ship launch because it has become a global tradition. It brings good luck, honors the vessel, and creates a strong public moment for owners, builders, and stakeholders. Over time, this ritual turned into a standard part of welcoming a new ship into service.

How the tradition started

Long before champagne existed, people used different rituals to bless vessels. Ancient cultures offered wine, water, or oils to ask for safe voyages. Later, Christian ceremonies added prayers and blessings over new ships.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, champagne became popular for one simple reason: it was elegant and widely available. It looked impressive when the bottle broke, and many navies and shipyards adopted it. Over the years, the ritual spread worldwide, so seeing a ship launched with champagne became the norm rather than the exception.

What champagne represents

Even today, shipowners and crews still value the symbolism behind the bottle:

• Good luck: The act of breaking a bottle is believed to protect the ship and the people on board.
• A fresh start: Champagne represents celebration, success, and the beginning of a new journey.
• A shared moment: For owners, it marks the official transition from yard to sea—both practical and emotional.
• A public signal: It shows the vessel is ready for the next stage, often attracting media and attention from partners.

These meanings keep the tradition alive, even in a modern industry that relies heavily on engineering, data, and safety rules.

Why shipowners still keep the tradition today

For many owners, the champagne moment is not only symbolic but also useful. When a ship launched event happens, photographs and videos from the ceremony quickly become strong PR material. They can be used for:

• Announcing newbuilds
• Updating partners and charterers
• Communicating with shareholders
• Building brand trust
• Highlighting cooperation with shipyards, class societies, and equipment suppliers

A short video clip of the bottle breaking against the bow often performs better than a standard press release.

Another reason owners keep the tradition is emotional value. Delivering a new vessel takes years of planning, investment, and teamwork. The launch ceremony captures that achievement in a single moment that everyone can see and remember.

Modern twists on the ritual

Although champagne remains the classic choice, many shipowners now prefer updated versions of the tradition:

• Environment-friendly liquids
• Decorative bottles that break cleanly
• Ribbon-pull mechanisms instead of hand-throwing
• Smaller ceremonies with limited guests
• Digital livestreams for partners who cannot attend

These adjustments keep the spirit of the ritual alive while respecting modern expectations for safety, cleanliness, and sustainability.

Is champagne required?

No rule says a ship must be launched with champagne. The ritual is optional and varies by shipyard, culture, and owner preference. Some shipowners skip it completely. Others prefer a quiet “soft launch” with no bottle at all.

What matters most is marking the moment in a way that fits your company’s culture, values, and communication goals.

FAQ

Do I need to use champagne for a ship launch?

No. Champagne is traditional, but you can choose other drinks or even skip the bottle.

Does the bottle have to break?

Traditionally yes, because it symbolizes good luck. But it is not mandatory.

Who should break the bottle?

Usually a sponsor—often a woman chosen by the shipowner or yard—performs the act.

Is this ritual only for large ships?

No. Many owners use champagne for tugs, supply boats, ferries, and even smaller workboats.

Can the launch be done quietly without a ceremony?

Yes. Many owners prefer a simple, private event, especially in fast-track commercial projects.

Final thoughts

Launching a ship is a proud moment for every owner. Using champagne is more than just a show—it connects centuries of maritime tradition with modern shipbuilding. Whether you choose a classic ceremony or a simple ribbon, the important thing is marking the start of a vessel’s life at sea. After all, every ship launched carries not only equipment and steel, but also the hopes of the people who built and own it.