lighterage

Lighterage is the service of transferring cargo between ships and shore using lighter vessels, typically in ports where large vessels cannot dock directly at a quay or where depth, tidal conditions, or berth availability require smaller craft. Lighters are usually flat-bottomed barges, sometimes self-propelled, and may be equipped with cranes or derricks to move cargo between ship holds and shore facilities.

Operations involve loading cargo from the ship onto the lighter, transporting the load to a quay or terminal, and unloading it for storage or onward conveyance by road or rail. The reverse procedure is used for outbound cargo. Lighterage is typically performed by specialized crews known as lightermen or lighter operators and may be organized by port authorities, private lighterage companies, or stevedoring firms. Ports may levy lighterage dues as part of harbor charges.

Historically, lighterage played a crucial role in major ports before dredging, deep-water berths, and modern container handling reduced the need for lighter transfer. With improvements in harbor infrastructure, containerization, and bulk-handling facilities, the reliance on lighterage has declined in many places. Nevertheless, lighterage remains in use in smaller or riverine ports, estuaries, and inland waterways where deeper channels are not feasible or economical, continuing to handle bulk commodities and general cargo where direct quay transfer is impractical.