Keel

Category: maritime

The structural spine running along the center of the ship’s bottom, providing stability and strength.

The keel is the "foundation" upon which the entire hull is built. It runs the full length of the ship and provides the essential structural integrity required to keep the vessel rigid during high-seas motion.

Common Examples

• The laying of the keel is a traditional maritime ceremony marking the start of a ship’s construction.
• The keel provides the longitudinal strength necessary to keep the massive steel structure from bending or twisting in large ocean waves.