Shipbuilding Using the Keel and Frame Method

Overview

The method to build large ships was revolutionized in the late 1960's/early 1970's when shipyards started fabricating vessels in a modular fashion; more commonly known as block construction. When first introduced the modular approach could involve ten, 15 or even 20 pieces that would be constructed separately and then joined together to form a vessel.

As the process evolved and technology advanced, the modules grew in size and became known as blocks or mega-blocks. Now there might only be six or eight of these large sections in vessels as large as Canadian warships.

Prior to block construction ships were built using a process referred to as 'keel and frame'. The origins of keel and frame date back to ancient times when wood was the primary building material.

Keel and frame is still used today to construct wooden and fiberglass boats, and smaller-sized steel and aluminum vessels.

In this module we will look at the Keel and Frame approach to ship construction.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module you will be able to:

1. Describe the sequence of Keel and Frame construction
2. Describe and identify the different parts of a ship