A Landing Craft Tank (LCT) is a flat-bottomed vessel with an open cargo deck forward, accommodation and engine room aft, and a bow ramp lowered onto the beach. In Indonesia, LCTs serve mining, plantations, infrastructure projects and logistics to small islands without quays.
LCT cargo is mostly roll-on/roll-off: excavators, dump trucks, dozers and vehicles drive or are towed up the ramp. Other cargo such as pipes, building material and tanks is lifted on by shore crane. Each unit applies axle loads or track pressure that must suit the deck strength and the ramp SWL.
When beaching, the bow touches the bottom and part of the weight is carried by the ground. This ground reaction reduces effective stability, much like a ship entering dry dock, so trim, ballast and the order of cargo on and off must be planned from the start of the voyage.
Typical sizes & characteristics
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Common length | ~40–90 m |
| Deadweight | ~300–3,000 DWT |
| Draft | ~1.5–3.5 m; shallower forward for beaching |
| Bow ramp | Winch or hydraulic; ramp SWL and ramp angle limit the cargo |
| Cargo deck | Open, with lashing points (D-rings or sockets) and side bulwarks |
| Operation | Beaching on shore or landing ramps; roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off |
Typical ranges for the vessel class, not data for any specific ship. For planning, use your vessel’s stability booklet and capacity plan.
Cargo spaces & how they are modelled
Open cargo deck
The deck is modelled as a scaled 2D plan with strength zones, lashing point positions and lanes for vehicles.
Ramp area
The area behind the ramp is recorded separately with ramp SWL, maximum axle load and vehicle turning space.
Ballast tanks
Fore and aft ballast is used to set trim for beaching and while cargo drives on and off.
Accommodation and aft area
The aft limit of the cargo deck and access to the stern are fixed so escape routes and safety equipment stay clear.
General stowage rules
Last on, first off
Cargo discharged first loads last and sits closest to the ramp. For multi-drop voyages, the order per location is fixed before loading.
Axle and track loads
Axle loads and track pressure are checked against deck limits and ramp SWL. Heavy machines run on dunnage or spreader plates where needed.
Drive on the centreline
Heavy machines come aboard along the centreline to keep heel small while crossing the ramp, then move to their final spot in stages.
Beaching trim
Trim and ballast are set so the bow grounds safely and the propellers stay immersed. Stability is checked allowing for the ground reaction.
Lashing and ramp secured
Each unit has brakes and swing lock engaged and is lashed to deck points. The ramp is locked and watertight before going to sea.
Common mistakes & risks
- Axle loads of loaded dump trucks or heavy machines exceeding ramp SWL.
- Sudden heel when a heavy machine crosses the ramp off the centreline.
- Trim too far by the head so the propellers are poorly immersed when beaching.
- Cargo left unlashed because the voyage is considered short.
- Loading order that does not match the discharge locations.
- Ramp not fully secured, letting water onto the cargo deck at sea.
Frequently asked questions
How does an LCT differ from a barge for heavy equipment?
An LCT is self-propelled and has a ramp, so machines can drive on and off without cranes, even on a beach. A barge is larger and cheaper per tonne but needs a tug and usually port facilities or a shore ramp.
Why does stability drop when beaching?
When the bow grounds, part of the ship’s weight is carried by the seabed. That reaction acts like removing weight at the keel, so effective GM falls and the ship heels more easily if cargo moves.
Does STOWAGE.ID replace the LCT’s stability calculation?
No. Results are shore-side planning. The stability booklet and any class-approved loading computer on board remain the official reference for the master’s decisions.
Shore-side planning & decision support. The class-approved onboard loading computer remains the official reference.