King George V Graving Dock: A Vital Port Facility

The King George V Graving Dock is a crucial port facility that plays a vital role in the maintenance and repair of naval vessels. Located in Devonport, Plymouth, it's one of the largest graving docks in the world.

Built between 1912 and 1914, the dock was constructed to accommodate the largest warships of the time, with a length of 1,025 feet and a width of 135 feet. Its massive size allows for the repair and maintenance of ships that are too large for other dry docks.

The dock's unique design features a watertight gate that can be closed to prevent water from entering the dock, making it ideal for repairs that require the ship to be out of the water. This innovative design has made it an essential facility for the Royal Navy.

The King George V Graving Dock was a massive construction project that required careful planning and execution. It was built as part of the westward expansion of Southampton Docks, then owned by the Southern Railway.

The dock was designed to accommodate the new passenger liners that were coming into service, including the RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth. These ships were much larger than previous vessels, with the Queen Mary measuring 1,019 ft (311 m) in length.

The design of the dock was influenced by the evolution of ship design, with ships transitioning from curved hulls to near-vertical sides. This change is reflected in the dock's design, which features steep sides with a restricted number of stepped altars.

The construction of the dock took two years to complete and required the removal of two million tons of earth. It was built virtually entirely of concrete, with granite dressings for the sills and caisson stops.

The dock is 1,200 ft (366 m) long, 135 ft (41 m) wide, and over 50 ft (15 m) deep, making it a massive structure. It has a floor that is 25 ft (8 m) thick at the centre line, tapering to 17.5 ft (5.3 m) thick at the sides.

The dock was equipped with bollards at regular intervals on either side, as well as others set into the dock walls. The caisson door, which weighed 4,000 long tons (4,100 t), was designed to slide sideways into a chamber at the right (east) of the entrance from the River Test.

Intriguing read: Port St Mary

The King George V Graving Dock is a massive facility with impressive features. It has a length of 1,151 feet (351 meters) and a width of 126 feet (38 meters).

The dock's operations are designed to accommodate large ships. It can handle vessels up to 80,000 tons in weight.

The dock's impressive size allows for a variety of operations to take place. It has a dry dock capacity of 5,000 tons and can accommodate ships up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) in length.

Its operations are carefully managed to ensure efficiency and safety. The dock's operations are designed to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

The pumping station is a vital part of the dock's operations, located at the western side of the dock.

It was probably designed by F.E. Wentworth-Shields and features a distinctive architectural style.

The building is a rectangular block with a half-hipped roof, constructed from red brick with stone dressing in the "inter-war classical revival style suggesting a temple".

A stone cornice and a second stone band above the windows add to the building's classic look, with brick pilasters separating the windows.

The original west bay, which housed an office, has been demolished.

The pumphouse walls are lined with cream and green tiles on the lower part, giving the interior a unique and functional design.

A wooden staircase leads to a mezzanine balcony with a wooden balustrade, providing access to the upper level.

In the main, southern part of the building, you'll find the four pumps that pumped water out of the dock.

As well as its primary function as a pumping station, the building also served as an electric substation.

The King George V Graving Dock in Southampton is a notable example of a large graving dock. It was opened in 1933 with a ceremony attended by King George V and Queen Mary.

The dock's first use was by the ship Majestic in 1934. The ship was operated by the White Star line.

If this caught your attention, see: Whidbey Island-class Dock Landing Ship

The King George V Graving Dock has special historic interest due to its association with transatlantic liner era. It's a rare survival from this time period.

Its innovative construction made it a good example of the evolution of dock design in the mid-20th century. The dock was the most significant in one of Britain's leading ports.

The dock's construction was a significant event in British history, with the Royal Yacht breaking a ribbon to mark its opening.

The King George V Graving Dock underwent a major reconstruction in 1982, which included the installation of a new caisson gate and a major overhaul of the dock's electrical and mechanical systems.

The dock's reconstruction was a massive undertaking that required careful planning and approval from various stakeholders.

The Royal Navy's involvement in the dock's maintenance and repair is a testament to the importance of the King George V Graving Dock in supporting naval operations.

Expand your knowledge: King George V Dock, Glasgow

The dock's ability to accommodate large warships, such as the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, was a key factor in the Royal Navy's decision to invest in its maintenance and repair.

The dock's reconstruction was carried out by a team of skilled engineers and technicians who worked tirelessly to ensure that the dock was returned to service as quickly and safely as possible.

The new caisson gate installed during the reconstruction improved the dock's ability to handle large warships, allowing for more efficient and effective maintenance and repair operations.