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Avondale Shipyards Delivers Largest LASH Ship The Delta Mar tied up in Barbour's Cut, Tex. Both the container crane and the lighter crane can be seen plus containers and lighters stowed on the deck. The DELTA MAR The first of a new design of giant LASH ships, the Delta Mar, was recently delivered to the Delta Steamship Lines of New Orleans. This vessel is the first of three sisterships for Delta, and was built by Avondale Shipyards, Inc., also of New Orleans. Following this group will be three for Central Gulf Lines, Inc. These ves- sels are the largest unitized cargo liners ever built in the United States. The new Delta Mar has the distinction of being the first ship contracted for, as well as delivered, under the 1970 Merchant Marine Act. The Delta Mar and her two sisterships, the Delta Norte and the Delta Sud, will be in the Gulf, U.S., to the East Coast, South America, trade. Each vessel is initially configured to trans- port 74 lighters and 288 containers of 20-foot equivalent size. The Waterman and Central Gulf new LASH vessels will transport lighters only in a total amount, per vessel, of 89 lighters. The Delta provides easy adjustment to any ratio of lighters and containers during the life of the ship, from a 100 percent lighter capability of 89 light- ers to a 100 percent container usage for 1,740 units of 20-foot equivalent size. Both 20 and 40 foot containers are provided for. The Delta Mar is the 12th LASH vessel to be completed by the Avondale Shipyards. A previous group of five somewhat smaller vessels have been constructed for Prudential Grace Lines and an- other group of six for Pacific Far East Line. Four other LASH vessels are also at sea, these being the Moslash two LASH vessels operated by Central Gulf Lines which were constructed in Japan, and the Combi Line two LASH vessels which were constructed in Belgium. The pioneer LASH ship M.V. Acadia Forest, was placed in service nearly four years ago. With the arrival (Continued on page 12) The Delta Mar taking on her first loaded barge at New Orleans in preparation for the ship's maiden voyage. The massive Morgan crane can lift and transport 455 long tons. A view of the Delta Mar in Barbour's Cut. In the foreground are marshalled lighters tied to the bank in readiness for being taken and lifted on-board the ship. A stern view of the Delta Mar with a tug going into the slot with a lighter. The tendering system in the stern slot can be seen as well as the crane with a barge. September 1, 1973 11
