Closing device

A closing device for closing an outer shell opening of a surface ship, comprising:

• several substantially vertically mounted shutter lamellas,
• a drive device by means of which the shutter lamellas can be actuated between a closed position and an open position, and
• sliding elements configured to hold the shutter lamellas in an upper and a lower end region relative to each other in an upper and a lower guide rail of the closing device, such that on movement from the closed position to the open position, the shutter lamellas fold alternately against each other to assume the open position,
• wherein mutually facing end sides of the sliding elements of adjacent shutter lamellas stand in an active relationship to each other via a pressure-transmission region such that a longitudinal force imposed on the shutter lamellas in the movement direction for assuming the open position generates a transverse force component on the pressure-transmission region.