1911 31st May
Titanic Hull Launch
Witnesses the completed hull enter the water before the fitting-out phase begins.
RMS Titanic · permanent subject timeline
Titanic Launch, 1911
The launch of Yard Number 401 from Harland and Wolff's Belfast slipway. This page combines historical context with 5 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database Titanic archive.
Historical context
Titanic Launch, 1911: overview and significance
What happened?
Titanic was launched at Belfast on 31 May 1911 after the completion of the main hull structure. The ship then entered an extensive fitting-out period before completion and sea trials.
Why was it important?
The launch marked the transition from hull construction to completion of machinery, accommodation and shipboard systems. It was a major milestone in the Olympic-class programme.
World History Database records
Titanic Launch, 1911 timeline
The records below are selected from the 241-record RMS Titanic archive and rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
1911
1911 31st May
Titanic Launch
Harland and Wolff launches Titanic from Slipway Number 3 in Belfast.
1911
Titanic Fitting Out
Oversees fitting-out work after Titanic's launch, including machinery, interiors and shipboard systems.
1912
1912 15th April
Titanic Evacuation Assistance
Helps other officers prepare and launch lifeboats during the evacuation.
1912 May
Titanic Lifeboat Inquiry
Examines lifeboat provision, launching and evacuation procedures during the British investigation.
Editorial provenance
Sources and editorial review
Compiled and edited by World History Database.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from World History Database Titanic records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
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