Containerization is a form of transportation in which the size and shape of freight is standardized with the use of containers. Containers enable intermodal transportation without the necessity of unloading and reloading the contents from the container. Since the inception of containerization, containers have been used to transport various products around the world. Container lashing is a crucial procedure to ensure safe transportation of the cargo and the safety of the carrier and personnel involved in the transportation.
What is Container Lashing?
Container or liner trade is one of the fastest and easiest modes of transporting cargo. However, container lashing, the process of securing containers together onboard a ship, is one of the greatest areas of hazard in the cargo handling segment. Container lashings help to secure the container to the carrier so that they do not fall off during transportation. When a container is loaded on a ship, it is secured to the ship’s structure and to the container placed below it with lashing rods, turnbuckles, twist-locks, etc. This prevents the containers from moving from their place or fall into the sea during rough weather or heavy winds.
Different factors are taken into consideration before deciding on the lashing system that is required to secure the cargo. With a variety of lashing materials available, each lashing product is tested for their strength to match up with the right safety levels required for cargo handling. The choice of the 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. Fortunately, most of these factors can be taken care of by software programs designed to aid this process.
What is CSS Code and CSM?
The Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) provides an international standard for the safe stowage and securing of cargoes to promote the safety of life both at sea and during loading and discharge. It is a set of guidelines provided on what actions can be taken to mitigate heavy sea conditions, cargo shifting, proper stowage, and many more such situations faced during transportation of cargo via sea.
A cargo securing manual details all the cargo securing equipment on board the vessel, whether fixed or portable. It specifies their locations and how they should be used to secure the different types of cargo that are transported. This manual also shows details of the chains, lashings, rods that are used to secure the cargo on the ship. It is mandatory to have a cargo securing manual on board an ocean vessel as it guides its users on how to transport cargo safely from one destination to another.
The size and capacity of container carriers are increasing at an alarming rate and there have been a few disasters involving the falling of containers due to weak container lashing. By following the guidelines, mistakes can be avoided that will help maintain the safety of the cargo, ship, and crew.
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In Conclusion
A few factors should be kept in mind while incorporating container lashing. For starters, proper and correct stowage planning should be carried out by qualified and experienced planners. It is also necessary to continuously monitor the status and condition of all lashing equipment on board. Containers used should be in sound structural condition and CSS Code and Cargo Securing Manual should always be followed. Finally, lashings should be evenly tightened and should meet correct safety standards.
