1. the loading, unloading, or transporting of cargo using small boats called lighters, typically between a ship and shore
Usage: nautical; commercial shipping
2. the fee charged for lighterage services
Usage: nautical; commercial

Examples

• The port charges included lighterage fees for transferring cargo from the large vessel to shore.
• Lighterage was necessary because the ship was too large to dock at the shallow harbor.
• The shipping company arranged lighterage services to move containers from the anchored freighter.
• Due to the port’s limited facilities, lighterage added extra time to the unloading process.
• The captain calculated that lighterage would cost an additional $2,000 for the cargo transfer.
• Small barges handled the lighterage operations throughout the busy harbor.