Glossary
Terms & Glossaries of Shipping and Trading
LASH (Lighter Aboard Ship)
LASH (Lighter Aboard Ship) is a recognized freight industry term referring to a specialized maritime transport system designed to carry smaller barges (lighters) aboard a larger mother vessel. This innovative method streamlines the movement of cargo between inland waterways and open seas, particularly in regions where direct port access is limited.
The LASH system involves a purpose-built or modified mother vessel equipped with a waterline-level door and onboard cranes or lifting mechanisms. Its primary functions include:
· Intermodal Efficiency: Enables seamless transfer of cargo between inland barges and ocean-going ships without requiring traditional port infrastructure.
· Cost Optimization: Reduces transshipment costs and delays by eliminating the need for intermediate handling at ports.
· Versatility: Supports the transport of non-standardized or bulk cargo (e.g., timber, grain) pre-loaded onto lighters.
Loading Process:
· Lighters (typically 60–80 feet long) are loaded with cargo at inland river terminals.
· The mother vessel submerges partially to allow lighters to float into its cargo hold via the waterline door.
· Onboard cranes secure the lighters in dedicated slots within the vessel’s hull.
Ocean Transit:
· The mother vessel transports up to 70–90 lighters across oceans, maintaining stability through reinforced hull compartments.
Unloading Process:
· At the destination, lighters are released into waterways for final delivery to inland terminals, bypassing congested ports.
· Vessel Capacity: A standard LASH carrier can accommodate 18,000–30,000 tons of cargo, depending on lighter size and configuration.
· Lighter Dimensions: Each lighter typically holds 370–500 metric tons of cargo, with dimensions optimized for river navigation.
· Specialized Features:
o Watertight Doors: Allow submerged loading/unloading in calm waters.
o Dynamic Stability Systems: Counteract weight shifts during lighter operations.
LASH systems are critical in scenarios such as:
· Inaccessible Ports: Serving regions with shallow rivers or underdeveloped port facilities.
· Bulk Cargo Transport: Efficiently moving commodities like coal, ore, or agricultural products.
· Environmental Compliance: Reducing carbon footprint by minimizing truck or rail transshipments.
· Advantages:
o Lower handling costs compared to containerization.
o Flexibility in cargo types and delivery locations.
· Limitations:
o High initial investment for specialized vessels.
o Limited suitability for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
