Which term describes the sealed structure that holds water for dry docking a ship?

The term that describes the sealed structure designed to hold water for the purpose of dry docking a ship is "Floating Dock." A floating dock is a type of dry docking facility that can be submerged to allow a vessel to float into position. Once the vessel is secured, the dock is then raised, effectively lifting the ship out of the water for inspection, repair, or maintenance.

The main advantage of a floating dock is its ability to adjust to the tide and its mobile nature, making it practical for various types of vessels. Additionally, floating docks are often used for larger ships that may not fit into traditional dry docks. This adaptability and the mechanics involved in managing buoyancy and stability make floating docks crucial for ship maintenance.

In contrast, a dry docking facility typically refers to a more permanent structure that does not float and requires ships to be brought in and out through water removal. Water locks are structures used to raise and lower vessels between stretches of water at different elevations, which is not related to the dry docking process. Wing walls are part of a structure that helps to direct water flow but do not hold water in the same way a floating dock does.