How to Use Appropriate Lashing Gear

How to Use Appropriate Lashing Gear

A ship sailing in a seaway has six degrees of motion: surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw. The ship itself bends and twists as waves pass. Hatch covers move relative to the hatch openings and container stacks move as clearances in the lashing equipment are taken up. It is the lashing system alone that resists these movements and attempts to keep the containers on board. 

cargo securing devices Lashing systems are put to the test during bad weather when failure may lead to container loss. Indeed, the growing number of containers lost overboard has caused concern throughout the marine industry. Cargo claims have increased and floating containers pose a hazard to navigation. Masters need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of container securing systems. It is essential that masters be aware of what can be done to prevent container loss. 

Ships need to be fit to receive containers, with their lashing equipment in good order. Lashing areas need to be safe places for ships’ crews and stevedores to work. 

Below is our guideline on container securing systems, the causes of lashing failure and to offer advice as to how losses can be minimised. 

A containership cargo securing devices basically consist of portable securing devices and fixed securing devices. Fixed fittings are Stacking cones, foundations, deck foundations, lashing plates, lashing eyes, lashing pots, d-rings. Fixed fittings are integrated into the hull structure or fitted on double bottom or hatch covers. 

Loose fittings are Twistlocks, stackers, bridge fittings, tension/pressure elements, spanners, lashing rods and turnbuckles.

Open turnbuckles combined with multi knob rods are used to secure containers of different heights with one rod length. For rapid adjustment and safe connection the turnbuckle is equipped with a slide nut. 50t breaking load systems are used almost exclusively (26mm rod diameter). 

Regular inspection and maintenance of ships cargo securing devices must be carried out. These would include routine visual examination of components being utilized, lubrication of securing devices, repair of damaged securing devices and separating out and rejecting damaged/unusable securing devices. 

An appropriate number of portable securing devices shall always be kept on board. Usually the number of securing devices required on board is governed by figures provided in the vessels cargo securing manual (for max capacity loading). Alternatively if the vessel operator requires a smaller quantity of cargo securing devices to be maintained on board, then that quantity shall be maintained. 

The consideration in such case is usually the amount of cargo being carried in the given trade. However in any case, cargo that cannot be secured in accordance with the requirements of the Cargo Securing Manual due to shortage of securing devices shall not be carried. 

A proper inventory and inspection report for securing devices as required by the vessels cargo securing manual shall be periodically prepared and forwarded to the vessel operator.