# Why are dry docks (for ships) such a seemingly (relatively) rare thing?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-dry-docks-for-ships-such-a-seemingly-relatively-rare-thing/1022542>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [August 27, 2025, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-dry-docks-for-ships-such-a-seemingly-relatively-rare-thing/1022542 "2025-08-27T23:49:00Z")\
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**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2025, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-dry-docks-for-ships-such-a-seemingly-relatively-rare-thing/1022542/20 "2025-08-30T01:44:55Z")

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Sure but they are nothing especially advanced or new. The oldest in the US was built in 1834.

At the end of the day they are a big hole in the ground with a door and water pumps. While impressive in size nothing really remarkable.

> **[Drydock Number One, Norfolk Naval Shipyard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drydock_Number_One,_Norfolk_Naval_Shipyard)**
>
> Drydock Number One is the oldest operational drydock facility in the United States. Located in Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, it was put into service in 1834, and has been in service since then. Its history includes the refitting of USS Merrimack, which was modified to be the Confederate Navy ironclad CSS Virginia. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971.
> Drydock Number One is located on the west side of the central branch of the Elizabeth River. It measures 3...

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