Landing craft freight | Vessel selection and quotation guide
A landing craft is a ramp-equipped vessel whose design may suit vehicles, machinery or project cargo. Total payload alone does not establish suitability: ramp and deck limits, axle loads, dimensions, port acceptance and the vessel’s permitted operating area must also be confirmed.
Written and reviewed by Barnav · · About the publisher
Transport options at a glance
| Option | What to assess | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Landing craft | Design-compatible rolling or project cargo | Approved voyage, ramp, deck and both ports |
| RoRo | Roll-on/roll-off handling | Vehicle acceptance, equipment and service schedule |
| Container or special equipment | Piece dimensions and weight compatibility | Terminal handling and reefer energy where needed |
Which cargo can be considered?
Provide the weight and dimensions of each piece, its centre of gravity, contact area, lifting and securing points, and whether it can move under its own power. A non-running machine needs a separate handling plan; deck capacity is not crane capacity.
Landing craft, RoRo and container transport
RoRo describes roll-on/roll-off handling. A ramp-equipped craft is not interchangeable with every RoRo ship. Compare container, flat-rack, open-top and project-vessel options using the same collection and delivery scope. No method is always cheapest or automatically crane-free.
Ramp, deck and securing checks
Ask for the proposed vessel’s ramp rating and usable dimensions. Check axle loads, ramp slope, ground clearance, concentrated deck loads and the stowage plan. IMO’s CSS guidance concerns safe stowage and securing; vessel-specific engineering and the master’s acceptance remain necessary.
Refrigerated cargo needs a separate plan
Agree electrical connections or fuel, backup arrangements, responsibility for temperature checks, alarms and waiting periods. Use the product’s contractual temperature range. Driver reports, logger files and continuous sensor feeds are different evidence sources, not interchangeable monitoring services.
What determines the quotation?
Specify ports, final delivery point, cargo-ready date, individual weights and dimensions, handling method and shipment scope. Separate inland transport, sea freight, port operations, lashing, cranes, agency, waiting, clearance and insurance. State currency, charging unit, validity and payment terms.
Documents and responsibilities
Prepare the invoice, packing list, origin, consignee details and applicable cargo approvals. Confirm the export, import, transit or temporary-admission procedure with authorized parties. Obtain port and vessel acceptance before moving cargo to the terminal. Keep private shipment documents off public pages.
Oman, UAE and India enquiries
The destination guides distinguish port facilities from actual service availability. A published RoRo facility is not evidence of a scheduled Iran route. Barnav support reviews the shipment and service scope; an enquiry is not a vessel reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Does every landing craft carry heavy cargo?
No. Check the individual craft’s ramp, deck, stability and operating limitations for the actual load.
Is landing craft freight always cheaper?
No. Compare the same end-to-end scope, including port handling, securing, inland legs and waiting.
Can refrigerated cargo be considered?
Only with confirmed cargo acceptance, energy supply, temperature requirements and an agreed monitoring and failure plan.
What should I send for a quote?
Ports, final delivery point, cargo description, each piece’s weight and dimensions, drawings or photos, readiness date and loading/discharge requirements.