The Basics of Container Lashing on Ships

Whether you’re transporting containers by road, rail or sea, you can’t afford to have the containers fall off the flats they are placed on. The only way to ensure that they stay in place is by lashing them. Container lashing has evolved over the years and today, you stack up to 9-tiers of containers above each other on the deck of a large ship. The most reliable systems are made up of stacking cones, lashing roads, twistlocks and turnbuckles. Here’s what you need to know.

Always Check Stack Weights

Before you start lashing containers together, check the stack weights. Always make sure you are within the permitted stack weights. If you exceed the stack weight, your lashing may not be strong enough to hold the containers in place in case they have to pass through a patch of bad weather. If you feel the stack weights are high, you may need to use additional lashings. Do not accept containers that have been found to be overweight.

Distribute Weight Evenly

Before you start container lashing, make sure the weights and containers are distributed evenly. As far as possible, avoid isolated stacks and stack containers such that the heaviest containers are at the bottom and the lightest are on top.

Use Approved Lashing Systems

Keep your lashing as simple as possible. Unless you’re using additional lashings, do not deviate from approved lashing arrangements. For your lashing to be effective, make sure you use the highest quality components and lash them tightly. Loose lashings or lashings that are twisted and knotted may open up later and put your containers at risk of damage. At the same time, do not pull the lashings too tight or the stress may break them. Check the lashings and lashing equipment from time to time and if you notice any damage, do not use them.

Examine Containers Before Lashing

If the container has physical damage, even after lashing it, it could be susceptible to falling out of place. Thus, start by examining the containers and making sure they are ok. Pay special attention to the corner posts. This is important as they need to be able to resist high compression forces from the weight of the containers above them as well as the dynamic forces from when the ship rolls and pitches. If the corners of the bottom-most containers are damaged, the entire stack may collapse. To stay safe, reject any container with any sign of damage.

Maintain Personal Safety

Lashing containers together is strenuous work. Hence, make sure that everyone involved wears personal protective gear. Also, make sure your crew uses back support belts and do not stand or walk under suspended loads. Lastly, have a clear plan and order for lashing and unlashing all the containers.

Container lashing is key to protecting your cargo and minimizing navigational issues that may arise if the container falls off the ship. Keeping these simple points in mind and lashing your containers according to systems set by the ship’s cargo manual minimizes chances of the containers getting loose.