A drydock, in the context of maritime operations, refers to a highly specialized type of narrow basin or containment vessel, primarily used for carrying out construction, maintenance, and repair activities on various types of watercraft, including but not limited to ships and boats. It functions through an ingenious flooding and draining mechanism. Initially, the drydock is filled with water to facilitate the easy entry or loading of a watercraft. Once the craft is adequately positioned within the dock, the water is systematically drained out. This well-engineered transition allows the watercraft, which was originally floating, to settle onto a dry platform securely. Then, necessary repair, inspection, or construction work can be carried out without interference from water, and enhance safety and efficiency. Essentially, drydocks play a vital role in the maritime industry by providing an optimized and controlled environment for shipbuilding and maintenance.

1. The Titanic was perhaps one of the most famous ships to have ever been built in a drydock. Constructed in the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the process involved a massive drydock where the ship was assembled before the basin was flooded, allowing the newly-completed vessel to float out into the open water for its sea trials. 2. Naval facilities often have multiple drydocks, such as the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia, where everything from aircraft carriers to submarines are maintained and repaired. Here, the drydock is the heart of operations, as it allows these massive ocean-going vessels to be drained and cleaned for maintenance or refitting purposes. 3. In the city of Liverpool, the iconic Brunel Drydock serves as a perfect example. Over the years, it has seen the construction of several notable vessels, including the SS Great Eastern. The drydock is first flooded so that the vessel can smoothly float in, then it is drained to hold the vessel in place for repair or maintenance. 4. The Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in South Korea, one of the largest in the world, showcases many examples of drydocks in action. Ships of all sizes are continuously built, maintained, and repaired in these drydocks. There, large ocean liners are floated in, the water is drained, and they are then propped up on blocks for the necessary works to be carried out. 5. In Amsterdam, the Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam has a drydock known as Dock 7, one of the largest in Europe. The dock, which is 250 metres long and 34 metres wide, is capable of accommodating some of the world's largest cruise ships. This drydock serves as a preventative maintenance measure for seafaring boats to avoid any serious damages while sailing.

The concept of a drydock dates back several centuries, with the earliest known reference to one in a 12th century text from England. This ancient form of drydock still exists in part today in Portsmouth, England, and it was used for constructing and repairing ships during the Tudor period. Interestingly, one of the ships it serviced was the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII's favorite warship. The ship's artifacts and remains were recovered in the late 20th century and are now on display at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, with the drydock site itself playing a significant role in the preservation and public presentation of this iconic ship.