keel block

sea works

Also known as: mole

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

A keel block is a sturdy wooden block used to support the keel of a ship during construction or when it is docked. The keel itself is the primary structural component of a ship, running along the bottom of the hull from front to back, and it can be made of various strong materials.12

In the context of sea works, keel blocks are essential components of dry docks. These blocks, along with bilge blocks, support the ship when it is out of the water for maintenance. Modern dry docks often feature adjustable keel and bilge blocks that can be remotely controlled, allowing for efficient repositioning for different ship profiles, which significantly speeds up the process of docking and undocking ships.3

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harbours and sea works
Keel and bilge blocks
Keel and bilge blocks, on which the ship actually rests when dry-docked, are of a sufficient height above the floor of the dock to give reasonable access to the bottom plates. Such blocks are generally made of cast steel with renewable…
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Keel and bilge blocks, on which the ship actually rests when dry-docked, are of a sufficient height above the floor of the dock to give reasonable access to the bottom plates. Such blocks are generally made of cast steel with renewable…
Read More