Gard warns about container losses

A large container vessel insured with Gard has recently experienced a serious loss of containers. Whilst investigating the incident they learned of similar events with several other new, large vessels covered by other P&I clubs. One of the common factors of all these incidents seems to be that the vessels have all been using fully automatic container locks between the container corner castings. Such locks appear to have been introduced in 2004, mainly onboard new, modern vessels.

Investigations are still ongoing, but it seems clear that this type of lock, having holding power only by its geometrical shape, may under certain circumstances jump out of the corner castings. The best evidence is that this is happening during heavy pitching movements of the ship and that the containers may thereafter be lost when the vessel is rolling. In most cases the containers have been lost from the aft deck.

It is expected that the class societies involved will investigate these events, but until a solution has been found, Gard recommends its members and clients to take note of the problem and learn from the unfortunate experiences already made. Members and clients with vessels using fully automatic container locks are recommended to contact their class societies as well as the manufacturer of the container locks to obtain their recommendations as to further actions.

Gard has been informed of owners who have already taken substantial measures to rectify this situation, including replacing locks, applying limitations where heavy weather is expected and even reducing the height of the container stacks.