'Our harbour now stands among the finest in the United Kingdom.'
Belfast News Letter, 2 October 1867
Hamilton Dock was filled at high tide and emptied at low tide.
[Photo caption reads]
Above This cross-section plan shows the dock basin, high and low water marks, valves and pump well at Hamilton Dock.
[Orange inset reads] This is the location of the Pump House
Step by Step:
How did Hamilton Dock work?
Getting a ship into the dry dock for repairs or fit out was a difficult operation and required a considerable amount of coordination.
1 Keel blocks are arranged in a bed according to a docking plan for each ship
2 The dock is filled with water and the caisson is pumped empty and floated out
3 The ship is guided into the dock and moored over the keel blocks
4 The caisson is floated back into position, filled with water and sunk into its slot to plug the mouth of the dock
5 A diver inspects the position of the keel blocks before the ship comes to rest on them
6 The ship is held steady by adjusting the mooring ropes and the ship gently lowers into position as the dock is pumped dry
[Ship photo caption reads]
Right Portavogie moored at Hamilton Dock
[Yellow



inset caption reads]
The caisson in place at Alexandra Dock

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Features of the Dock
Nomadic in Hamilton Dock
Keel Blocks
Hamilton Dock Stone Construction
Hamilton Dock Stone Construction
Bigger Ships and Bigger Docks
Building the Dock 1864-1867 / Hamilton Dock
The Dockside: A Hive of Activity
Hamilton Dock: Refurbishment and Restoration
Building the Dock 1864-1867 / Belfast's Industrial Growth

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