Understanding the Types of Lashing on Container Ships
Container shipping is vital to the movement of goods around the world, allowing them to be shifted from trucks to ships and transported across the world’s oceans.Lashing is among the prime operations performed on board the ship to ensure safety and stability.
Lashing is the act of fastening cargo items to one another or to the ship to prevent commercial cargo from shifting and sliding around the deck of the ship. Unlashed, containers can slide, collapse, or topple over the side, causing huge financial and environmental damage
Types of Lashing on Container Ships
1. Vertical Lashing
Vertical Lashing utilizes long strips of steel placed vertically between stacked cargo containers, fastened to them by flat clamps on each end and secured by turnbuckles.
Such lashing ensures that container stacks remain level and stable under rough seas, storms, and heavy rolling actions. It is particularly useful for mothballing containers stowed on deck, as wind and wave impact is greater above deck.
Whereas side-to-side shifting is prevented by horizontal lashing, vertical lashing is designed to prevent toppling and leaning.
Advantages
- Excellent stability for stacked containers.
- Reduces tilting and shifting risks at sea.
- Improves load distribution and ship safety.
- Easy to inspect and adjust during voyages.
2. Horizontal Lashing
In this method of lashing rods, the turnbuckles and chains are provided at their ends with container corner fittings, befitting, which create tension. It also reduces sideways drift, rolling, and heel, especially in rough seas or in high winds.
Horizontal lashing is particularly important for containers stacked above deck, where exposure to waves and wind is highest. Complementing vertical lashing ensures overall stack stability.
Advantages
- Prevents rolling, shifting, and sideways movements.
- Ideal for containers above deck exposed to weather.
- Reinforces stacks when used with twist locks or stacking cones.
- It can be adjusted during voyages for safety.
3. Twist Locks
Among the differenttypes of lashing on container,twist locks are one of the most essential and widely used. These small but powerful mechanical devices secure containers vertically by locking them at their corner castings.
When inserted and rotated, twist locks prevent vertical separation or sliding, ensuring stacked containers remain stable during ship movements.
They come in two types: Manual Twist Locks, locked by stevedores during loading, and Semi-Automatic Twist Locks (SATLs), which lock automatically when containers are stacked.
Advantages of Twist Locks:
- Quick and efficient to use, reducing handling time.
- Strong vertical locking for stability in rough seas.
- Minimizes manual lashing efforts.
- Works with other lashing types like rods or stacking cones.
4. Lashing Rods and Turnbuckles
Lashing Rods and Turnbuckles entails long steel rods that connect to the corners of the container; turnbuckles are used to adjust the tension and clip the containers tightly in position. By having suitable tension, the latter method prevents the containers from shifting, tilting, or moving around during heavy seas or rough sea travel by a ship.
Lashing rods and turnbuckles are especially useful for containers of varying sizes and weights, offering flexibility that other lashing methods may not provide. They also withstand heavy loads and high pressure, making them a reliable choice for maritime cargo security.
Advantages of Twist Locks:
- Flexible for different container sizes.
- Can handle heavy loads and pressure.
- Provides reliable stability during voyages.
- Compatible with other types of lashing on container ships.
5. Bridge Fittings
Bridge fittings is one of the ways that thetypes of lashing used on a container-ship for stowing containers horizontally so they cannot shift when the ship is rolling. This is highly useful process to stabilize containers that are juxtaposed and to prevent the containers from separating or shifting during rough seas or while a vessel is under sail.
Bridge fittings add some additional stability to container stacks, particularly with wide rows above deck, since these may experience significant lateral forces from waves and wind.By using bridge fittings in combination with other types of lashing, such as twist locks or rods, shipping operators can enhance overall cargo security and maintain proper load distribution.
Advantages:
- Strengthens container stacks.
- Stabilizes wide container rows.
- Prevents lateral movement.
- Complements other lashing types for enhanced safety.
6. Lashing Chains and Binders
Lashing chains and binders are a robust method among the types of lashing on containers, commonly used for extra-heavy or oversized containers. In this technique, strong steel chains are attached to the container corners and tightened using binders, creating a secure hold that prevents movement during rough seas or sudden ship motions.
This is particularly useful for high-value or security-sensitive freight that needs added protection. Lashing chains and binders are capable of withstanding heavyweight and provide an additional safety measure when used in conjunction with other forms of lashing, such as twist locks or rods.
Advantages:
- Very strong and reliable for heavy loads.
- Provides additional security for high-value cargo.
- Ensures stability during rough conditions.
- Complements other lashing methods for enhanced safety.
7. Stacking Cones
Stacking cones are small yet essential devices designed to keep containers aligned vertically. These cones are inserted into the corner castings of containers to maintain proper positioning, preventing them from sliding or misaligning during ship movements.
Stacking cones does not provide a complete lock like a twist lock, but they are a useful addition to container security.
Stacking cones are frequently used in conjunction with twist locks or rods to improve the stability of the overall arrangement. Our handy lashing services provided by professionals are the right choice to make and ensure the optimal installation for safe and secure container transport.
Advantages:
- Provides simple and effective container alignment.
- Prevents sliding and misalignment.
- Complements twist locks for enhanced security.
- Helps maintain stability during voyages.
Final Thoughts on Types of Lashing on Container Ships
Proper container lashing is crucial to maritime shipping because it secures cargo, improves vessel stability, and reduces operational risks. Reliable and sturdy lashing methods ensure that containers remain stable over long sea voyages, promoting secure and efficient global trade.
Employing the professional services of Amexpro Global Shipping, a respectable freight forwarding company, gives business owners peace of mind that their cargo is safeguarded in compliance with international standards.
Their professional lashing solutions reduce risks, protect shipments, and offer comfort. Selecting the best lashing partner is essential for safeguarding priceless items and guaranteeing more seamless international operations.
