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Throughout the year, 352 lighters were fumigated with Methyl Bromide for insect control
of the commodity and, as the dosage required varies from twenty to thirty ounces per 1,000
cubic feet according to the species of insect pest present, the chemical properties of this
fumigant and the twenty-four hour exposure period required for Methyl Bromide is more than
adequate to destroy any rats that may be present in the lighter at the time of the fumigation.
The reason for the reduction in the number of lighters fumigated for the commodity within the
port is due to the containerisation of some commodities especially dried fruits which are now
fumigated in the container in the country of origin prior to loading aboard the ship.
Although there has been a further reduction in the number of Thames lighters trading within
the port, great strides have, however, been made by the lighterage industry in recent years to
increase the unit capacity of their fleets, in order to serve customers more efficiently. Lighters
have been lengthened to accommodate 16 containers at a time, and the latest development of a
car catamaran barge, capable of the speedy movement of 57 motor cars from factory to export
vessel, are all examples of changes which are designed to compete efficiently and economically
with land transport.
The lighterage service in the Port of London is still very much an integral part of the life of
the Port and carries nearly seven million tons of cargo per annum.
The number of dumb lighters trading within the Port of London Health Authority's jurisdiction
is as follows:-
Open Craft 1,264
Hatched Craft 1,191
Insulated Craft 125
Refrigerated Craft 5
Tank Craft 200
Grating Craft 20
Contractors Craft 57
Pontoon Craft 44
Punt 14
Canal Craft 209
Bow Section 1
Catamaran 1
TOTAL 3,131
INTERMODAL WATER BORNE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Lash Lighters
During the course of the year 306 lash lighters were transported by the two "mother" ships
from the United States of America to the Thames Estuary and then towed to various terminal
wharves within the port.
In view of the fact that lash lighters trade between various places on the inland waterway
systems in the United States of America and Europe, it is important that there must be a system
of control regarding rodent infestation.
Of the 306 lash lighters that discharged in the port during the year 1970, 127 were inspected
equivalent to a 41.5% inspection and on each occasion there was no evidence of rodents.
These lighters are constructed of steel, including the ceiling. The hold is completely clear
of any obstruction with no pillars, webs, frames or stringers and apart from any cargo that may
be in the hold, there is no harbourage for rats to live in and breed.
As in the past, every assistance has been received from the lighterage industry in the
efforts to reduce rats to a minimum in lighters.
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