LAKE FREIGHTER Meaning and
Definition
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A lake freighter refers to a large cargo vessel specifically designed and constructed to transport goods and materials across the Great Lakes region. These lakes freighters are primarily used to transport bulk commodities, such as iron ore, coal, grain, limestone, and salt.
Typically, lake freighters are constructed with a flat and elongated shape, known as a "laker" design, allowing them to navigate the shallow waters and relatively narrow channels of the Great Lakes. They are built with a robust and sturdy hull to withstand the often harsh weather conditions encountered on the lakes, including strong winds, storms, and icy waters.
Lake freighters are significantly larger in size compared to other types of ships, with their length ranging from approximately 550 to 1,000 feet and a capacity reaching up to 78,000 tons. These vessels are propelled by powerful engines, and their navigation system includes radar, GPS, and other advanced technologies to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
The main function of lake freighters is to transport bulk cargoes from one port to another, connecting various industrial centers and facilitating trade within the Great Lakes region. They play a crucial role in supporting the economies of the surrounding states and provinces, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for huge quantities of goods.
Overall, lake freighters are essential workhorses of the Great Lakes, playing a critical role in the transportation of commodities and contributing to the flourishing economic activities of the region.
Etymology of LAKE FREIGHTER
The word "lake freighter" is a compound term consisting of two components: "lake" and "freighter".
1. Lake: The term "lake" originates from the Middle English word "lake" or "lakke", which was used to refer to a large inland body of water. This word is believed to have been borrowed from Old French "lac" or Latin "lacus", meaning "lake" or "pool". The English term "lake" has been used to describe various bodies of water, including large lakes, such as the Great Lakes in North America.
2. Freighter: The term "freighter" is derived from the word "freight", which has its origins in the Middle English word "freyt" or "freit". This term was borrowed from the Old French word "fret", meaning "cargo" or "load".
