self-discharger

{{Short description|Ship able to discharge cargo using its own gear}}

{{See also|Auxiliary crane ship}}

File:USEPA GL collection 151 DuluthHalletDockSelfunloader.jpg

file:Bradley Unloading in Hopper 1958.jpg unloading hopper in 1958]]

A self-discharger (or self-unloader) is a ship that is able to discharge its cargo using its own gear. The most common discharge method for bulk cargo is to use an excavator that is fitted on a traverse running over the vessel's entire hatch, and that is able to move sideways as well. Lake freighters on the Great Lakes use conveyor-based unloading gear to empty funnel-shaped holds from the bottom, lifting the bulk cargo onto a boom. {{cite web |title=Boland and Cornelius |url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us~hfbl.html#boland |website=CRWFlags.com |access-date=25 June 2022}}The Liberty Ships of World War II, By Greg H. Williams, page 255