Lloyd’s Register develops cargo capacity technology

A team investigating the rising height and weight of container stacks on bigger, modern containerships has produced new rule proposals. One key finding is the significant and predictable impact that vessel speed has on a ship’s rolling motions, and hence its ability to carry cargo.

The team has produced a methodology for designing stows for ULCSs based on a combination of ship speed, stability and the height and direction of waves – instead of designing for a vessel travelling at full speed in the harshest conditions.

LR also investigated the development of lashing twistlocks. “Operators who use the latest fully automatic twistlocks will have the advantage of securing their cargoes safely and effectively with minimum intervention from the stevedores,” the society said. “Combined with the introduction of high lashing bridges, they will be able to safely carry stacks of 10 or more tiers of containers on deck.”