Importance of Container Lashing

Container or liner trade has increased quite drastically as ships have a greater capacity for more and more containers. As container stacks increase in height, proper precautions in securing the containers before beginning the sea journey are very essential. Proper lashing ensures that the containers do not move or fall off into the sea during the rough sea or heavy winds. Lashings need to be checked by the ship’s crew before departure and during sailing to ensure no accidents occur during the voyage.

Lack of proper container lashing has been the cause of many accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Stevedores are responsible for lashing and de-lashing jobs in port. But due to lack of time and port stay, the deck crew is also responsible for lashing operations.

The Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) provides an international standard for the safe stowage and securing of cargoes. It is a set of guidelines that direct on what actions can be taken to during heavy sea conditions, cargo shifting, proper stowage, and many more such situations faced during transportation of cargo via sea.

A cargo securing manual (CSM) provides details of 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. It is mandatory to have a cargo securing manual on board an ocean vessel.

Few Important Points to be Noted for the Lashing and De-Lashing Process

· It is a demanding physical activity, personnel handling these activities need to be physically fit; they need to stretch and warm muscles before working

· All the personnel need to wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a reflective vest, steel toe shoes, hard helmet, gloves, and many more to maintain a safe work environment

· Do not walk under overhanging loads like the gantry, hanging container, etc.

· Be careful while walking around the ship, do not slip or trip while boarding or leaving the ship from the gangway

· Proper inspection of work platform, railings, catwalks, and steps needs to be carried out before commencing operations

· Always keep the lashing equipment in their assigned place or side of the walking path

· Properly understand the plan and order of lashing and unlashing

· Safety harness must be used by personnel when operating overhead

· At all times work in pairs when handling rods and turnbuckles

· Always report defective lashing gear or any other equipment that would cause harm to personnel, cargo, and ship.

Also Read: Types of Cargo Damage in Container Shipping

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.