Definition of "lightering" [lightering]

• The process of transferring cargo or fuel off of a sunken or grounded ship, making it easier to refloat. (noun)
• Present participle of lighter. (verb)

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• "The company used a process called lightering, where smaller vessels with roll-on/roll-off capabilities unload cargo from a large container ship and bring it ashore without using a traditional dock."
• "Ship-to-ship oil transfers, called lightering, are common and often involve a third vessel servicing the operation."
• "On rivers, the channels of which are interrupted by sand banks and rapids, the same operation may be carried out, thus avoiding the expense and delay necessitated by, perhaps, repeated "lightering," i.e., reduction of the cargo."