Les chantiers navals dotés de cales sèches ont-ils encore besoin d'airbags de mise à l'eau ?

In the shipbuilding and repair industry, both dry docks and ship launching airbags play an important role. Many shipyards have already invested heavily in dry docks. But does that mean they no longer need marine airbags? Let’s take a closer look.

The Role of Dry Docks

Dry docks are essential for ship construction, repair, and maintenance. Common types include floating docks, graving docks, and slipways. Their main advantages are:

• High precision: Ships can be fully drained for bottom inspection and structural repair.
• Long-term stability: Ideal for complex and large-scale repair work.
• Controlled environment: Less affected by tides and currents.

However, building and maintaining dry docks requires huge investment. They are also not very flexible, especially for small and medium-sized vessels or urgent jobs.

The Role of Marine Airbags

Ship launching airbags are made of high-strength rubber. They are widely used for ship launching, hauling, and temporary repairs. By inflating the airbags, ships can smoothly roll into the water.

Key benefits of marine airbags include:

• Low cost: Much cheaper to purchase and operate than dry docks.
• High flexibility: Portable, reusable, and adaptable to different sites and ship types.
• Wide applications: Launching, emergency repairs, and ship movement.

Because of these advantages, many shipyards keep marine airbags as standard equipment to support daily operations.

Why Shipyards with Dry Docks Still Need Airbags

1. Backup and emergency use: When the dry dock is under repair or already occupied, airbags provide a quick solution.
2. Cost-effective for small vessels: Airbags save time and money compared to using a dry dock.
3. Service expansion: Shipyards with both dry docks and airbags can handle more jobs, including urgent projects.
4. Greater flexibility: In areas without enough berths or with tricky conditions, airbags make launching easier.

Real-World Examples

Many large shipyards that already have dry docks still purchase and use airbags:

• They keep business running when the dock is closed for maintenance.
• They launch small and medium ships quickly without waiting for dock space.
• Some even use airbags to offer extra repair or movement services for customers, increasing revenue.

Conclusion

Dry docks and marine airbags are not replacements but complements. Even if a shipyard has a dry dock, marine airbags remain a smart investment for flexibility and efficiency.

As a global leader in ship launching airbags manufacturing, NANHAÏ provides durable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for shipyards worldwide. Whether for large ship projects or fast launches of smaller vessels, NANHAI airbags help shipyards stay competitive and ready for any challenge.