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VERY LARGE CRUDE CARRIERS (V.L.C.C.'s)
The employment of these vessels throughout the world continued to increase during the year,
the total number of arrivals of this class of ship into the Port of London rose to 72 in 1972, compared
with 41 the year before.
The various vessels dealt with were all found to be maintained to a high standard and produced
no problems from a health viewpoint.
Health clearance procedure continued without difficulty and the combination of "radio
clearance" before arrival with a follow up visit by the Port Health Inspector once alongside,
confirmed earlier reports that this type of vessel does not produce serious health risks.
Summary of Movements 1972 (1971 in brackets)
(a) V.L.C.C.'s arriving from prescribed lightening areas 19 (16)
(b) V.L.C.C.'s arriving from continental ports after lightening 53 (25)
Total arrivals 72 (41)
On 12 occasions V.L.C.C.'s were lightened by vessels which then discharged in the port,
the V.L.C.C. herself proceeded elsewhere, the lightening vessel presenting her Health Declaration
on arrival in London.
LIGHTER ABOARD SHIP DEVELOPMENTS
"LASH" and "SEABEE" systems
The "LASH" service from the Gulf of Mexico continued throughout 1972. Two additional
"LASH" ships joined the service in April. Twenty three voyages to Sheerness were made by
these four vessels resulting in the importation to London of some 130,000 tons of cargo. The
main commodities imported were woodpulp, chemicals and linerboard, but from time to time,
shipments of rice in bulk and tinned foods for human consumption were received and examined
by your Port Health Inspectors.
The "SEABEE" service, also from the Gulf Ports, was inaugurated in July, 1972, to special
moorings a'. Gravesend. The "SEABEE" system is similar to the "LASH" system, one of the
differences being in the construction of the barges themselves, which are designed not only to
carry bulk and general cargo but can accommodate 10 x 30 feet containers on specially constructed
pedestals. In addition to these up to 16 x 40 foot containers can be lashed to the steel hatch
covers of each barge.
The vessels concerned are the "DOCTOR LYKES" and "ALMERIA LYKES" both of 21,000
gross tons, a third vessel is due to join the fleet giving a 10 day service. Each ship can carry
38 "SEABEE" units measuring 97½ feet long and 35 feet wide with a deadweight capacity of
850 tons and loaded draught 10½ feet. The handling of these units is carried out by means of a
stern elevator capable of lifting 2,000 tons. This means that it can handle two fully loaded units
at the same time. A full cargo of "SEABEE" units can be discharged in 14 hours.
If necessary, special adaptors can be fitted to the main deck of the ship for the carriage of
containers in lieu of units.
At present the units discharged in London are towed to Victoria Deep Water terminal for
Clearance and delivery.
MEDICAL INSPECTIONS AT GRAVESEND
The vessels cleared by R/T in the table below are mainly ships berthing below the Boarding
Station. R/T clearance is given when it has been ascertained that all is well on board.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
No. of Vessels
Boarded
75
7*4
79
79
86
68
52
58
68
70
78
54
841
No. of Vessels
Cleared by R/T
25
17
22
86
41
32
36
33
41
26
32
32
423
No. of Passengers
(Inc. Commonwealth
and Alien Passengers)
22
21
56
4
21
2
3
2
6
9
-
146
No. of Crew
Medically Inspected
12
5
7
-
3
2
-
8
3
20
7
4
71
9