Guidelines for safe and efficient containership operations

The first set of guidleines, ’Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements (Edition 3.0)’, responds to rapid increases in the size of container ships and advances in lashing technology.

They provide evaluation methods for loading and lashing containers and incorporate the latest trends and ClassNK’s R&D outcomes to ensure both safety and economy.

In addition, the guidelines reflect the load analysis combined with big data from AIS and oceanographic data conducted during the comprehensive revision of ClassNK ship structural rules, namely Part C of its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships.

They also include optimal stowage operations that take into account not only the route, but also seasonal effects on transportation.

Roll countermeasures

The second set of guidelines, ’Guidelines for Parametric Roll Countermeasures’, support the consideration of measures against parametric roll, which has been referred to as a factor in the recent cargo collapses on large containerships.

In addition to evaluation based on Interim Guideline on the Second Generation Intact Stability Criteria (MSC.1/Circ.1627), the guidelines outline the requirements for granting notation of ships with equipment and operational parametric roll measures.

They also cover a wide range of aspects, both in theory and in practice, including the mechanism of parametric roll, its features and precautions and an overview of parametric roll response calculation and methods, incuding creating a polar chart that illustrates the danger of parametric roll.

The methods specified in these guidelines are applicable not only to containerships, but also to car carriers.