BlackSea Technologies introduces NightTrain, an innovative autonomous vessel designed for modern logistics in shallow waters using floating ISO containers.
US-based autonomous ship manufacturer BlackSea Technologies has adapted the LASH (Lighter Aboard Ship) concept from the Cold War era to today’s competitive and infrastructure-limited logistics environments. The company’s developed autonomous vessel, named NightTrain, aims to supply in shallow waters and, unlike classic LASH ships that carry 40-ton lighters, transports waterproof, floating ISO containers.
In the LASH system, developed in the 1960s as an alternative to containerized and bulk cargo transportation, lighters were loaded directly onto the ship, reducing the need for port infrastructure. The military variant of the system, the Cape M-class Sea Bee lighter carriers, was also used for shallow water and coastal logistics throughout the Cold War. However, the inability of large lighters to compete with standard ISO containers led to the gradual decline of the LASH concept.
NightTrain reimagines this approach on a much smaller scale. The ISO containers carried by the vessel serve not only as cargo units but also function as floating lighters. This reduces the need for specialized port equipment.
Approximately 85 feet (25.9 meters) long, NightTrain has a cargo capacity of about 70 tons, a maximum speed of 11 knots, and a range of approximately 2,700 nautical miles. The design allows for the transport of several containers that can be stacked end-to-end, reaching a total length of up to 53 feet.
The loading system of NightTrain also differs from classic LASH ships. Instead of using a heavy and complex crane at the stern, the vessel features an open loading area in the midsection. Cargo can be taken into this area in a floating state by partially submerging the ship. This method aims to enable the vessel to operate in underdeveloped ports or areas lacking standard loading infrastructure.
One of the notable features of NightTrain is its low-profile hull design. The company’s concept drawings envision the vessel sailing very close to the water level, with its bow partially submerged when necessary.
This feature aims to reduce the vessel's radar visibility, thereby lowering the likelihood of detection. BlackSea Technologies positions NightTrain as a distributed logistics solution that will ensure supply continuity, particularly in environments where ports, airports, predictable transportation routes, and reliable communication infrastructure are unavailable.
In this respect, NightTrain aims to add an alternative and more decentralized transport capacity to the supply chain in risky areas rather than simply replacing traditional logistics vessels.
BlackSea Technologies has started the production of the aluminum prototype of NightTrain. Images released by the company show that a significant portion of the vessel's hull has been completed.
The firm also has experience in the field of autonomous marine vehicles. BlackSea Technologies stands out as the developer of the GARC system, which is among the autonomous surface vehicles used by the US Navy, and it is reported that the company delivers 32 small autonomous vessels monthly.
An important development for the company occurred last week. Unmanned aerial systems manufacturer Aevex acquired BlackSea Technologies for a price that could reach up to $650 million.
This acquisition marks a period where autonomous marine vehicles, such as NightTrain, are gaining increasing importance not only in commercial transportation but also in defense and military logistics.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
