List of ship launches in 1878 List of ship launches in 1878 List of ship launches in 1878

| blank | Country | Builder | Location_ | Ship | Class_type_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 March | United States | John Roach and Son | Chester, Pennsylvania | City of Rio de Janeiro | Passenger ship |
| 13 May | Germany | Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven | Wilhelmshaven | Bayern | Sachsen-class ironclad |
| 13 June | United Kingdom | Royal Dockyard | Devonport, Devon | Pegasus | Doterel-class sloop |
| 31 August | United Kingdom | Royal Dockyard | Sheerness | Gannet | Doterel-class sloop |
| 23 October | Norway | Karljohansverns Verft | Horten | Nor | Vale-class gunboat |
| 1 November | Norway | Karljohansverns Verft | Horten | Brage | Vale-class gunboat |
| 9 November | Germany | A. G. Vulcan | Stettin | Württemberg | Sachsen-class ironclad |