Container shipping helps to reduce transportation costs and prevent damage or theft of cargo. It enables intermodal transportation without the necessity of unloading and reloading the contents from the container. The lack of proper container lashing has been the cause of many accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Before the departure of the ship on its voyage, all containers are loaded and secured so that they do not fall off the ship during rough weather. The process of securing containers on board a ship is one of the areas of risk in the marine cargo handling sector. Through the usage of various securing equipment like lashing rods, turnbuckles, twist-locks, and much more, containers can be secured to the ship's structure and to the container placed below it. Often a combination of securing methods is used to restrain the containers. The choice of the container lashing system depends on the type of cargo being stored, how many lashings are required, the design of the vessel, and also ensuring that the selected lashing system meets the correct safety standards.
Reasons That Lead To Accidents Are:
To prevent accidents from happening, the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) has been established. This provides an international standard for the safe stowage and securing of cargoes. It is a set of guidelines that direct what actions can be taken during heavy sea conditions, cargo shifting, and many such situations faced during sea transportation. In addition, a cargo securing manual (CSM) provides details of all the cargo securing equipment on board the vessel, whether fixed or portable. It is mandatory to have a cargo securing manual on board an ocean vessel. Container lashing is important to protect the cargo, carrier due to heavy winds and weather. It also ensures the safety of the crew and personnel involved in the loading and unloading of containers. Proper lashing prevents cargo theft and avoids spillage or debris falling into the sea. Lashing is essential as it is the main checkpoint for insurance companies during the audit in case of an accident. When the lashing is not done correctly, the insurance will not cover any damage done to the cargo. So, proper lashing ensures the safe delivery of your cargo and helps to avoid litigation and clean-up costs. Also Read: Customized Packaging Service In Slanting Position To Fit Reefer Container The size and capacity of container carriers are increasing at an alarming rate and the lashing systems are put to the test during bad weather, due to the increased forces experienced with the movement of the ship. Moreover, if the cargo is hazardous, then spillage would lead to the destruction of marine life. To ensure the safety of cargo and crew, proper container lashing is very crucial to avoid disasters.
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Container or liner trade is one of the fastest and efficient modes of transporting cargo and is the most preferred method in carrying most of the world’s goods. The containers have standardized dimensions. This makes it easier to be loaded and unloaded, stacked, transported capably over long distances, and can be transferred from one mode of transport to another without being opened for repackaging. Increasing cargo-carrying capacity, operational efficiency, and fuel efficiency had made container vessels in the liner trade capable of having a capacity of 23,000 TEUs and the ability to stack 24 rows of containers on board. The aspect of handling these containers on ships becomes very essential during harsh weather and strong winds at sea. Every year many containers fall overboard and spill their cargo into the ocean due to negligence in container handling. However, container lashing, the process of securing containers together onboard a ship, is one of the greatest areas of risk and needs to be handled carefully to avoid accidents during the voyage of the ship. What is Container Lashing? Container vessels encounter external forces out in the sea, resulting in around six forms of motions that act on the vessel and cargo. These motions cause the movement of containers and are a threat to the ship and its crew. To prevent the movement of containers during a sea voyage lashing and securing them on the open deck is essential. Improper container lashing and failure to adhere to the procedures required for proper stowage on ships are dangerous to property, life, and the environment at sea. Specialised lashing and cargo handling systems are used to secure the containers in their places. Reasons that lead to lashing failures of containers
Who Is Responsible For Container Lashing? A container when loaded onto a ship is secured to the ship's structure and to the container placed below it. The containers are secured using turnbuckles, lashing rods, twist locks, container stacker, etc. These prevent the containers from moving and fall off into the sea during rough weather. Also Read: Wooden Based Packaging – Types and Benefits Stevedore, a person employed at a dock to load and unload a ship is responsible for lashing and de-lashing jobs in port. However, due to short port stay and time constraint, the deck crew is also responsible for proper handling of container lashing on ships. The lashing is regularly checked by the ship’s crew to avoid accidents due to improper lashing. Container lashing should be undertaken by responsible personnel on board and needs to be properly planned out for safe carriage of the cargo at all times. |
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October 2021
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