This site uses cookies to facilitate navigation through our site and remember user preferences. Furthermore, cookies are used for analytical purposes through Google analytics in accordance with the guidelines of the Data protection board to ensure privacy friendly use, click here for more information

Tips and Advice Ship Securing

Break bulk cargo shipped in and on board of ships can be exposed to extreme external influences.

  • For heavy steel and metal cargos such as coils or slabs concentrated on a small cargo footprint, particular attention should be taken to ensure that the floor of the cargo is not damaged and that the weight is equally distributed over the whole floor of the container. Cordstrap’s specialists can help plan the most appropriate securing methods.
  • Hazardous goods must always be transported in accordance with the relevant legislation. All Cordstrap shipping solutions are fully CTU code compliant.
  • Dangerous goods should only be handled, packed and secured by trained personnel; Cordstrap can provide the training required to secure dangerous goods for safe transport.
  • When dangerous goods cargos are mixed with non-hazardous cargos in one container, the dangerous goods should be placed adjacent to the doors with markings and labels visible.
  • When shipping dangerous goods, securing at the doors is of vital importance; Cordstrap can provide the training required to secure dangerous goods for safe transport.
  • When shipping liquids, remember that poor securing can lead to leakages and damage to other shipments, machinery or surrounding areas.
  • Certain types of cargo should never be packed together – for example, moist (or moisture-emitting) goods with dry (or moisture-sensitive) goods.
  • Always pack goods in containers to achieve a tight fit and prevent movement during transit.
  • Climate change can cause stresses on cargo in transport, for example when a vessel passes through different climate zones. The air temperature within a container can vary by 20-30ºC from the ambient temperature.
  • Gaps between loads should be filled using products such as Cordstrap dunnage bags.
  • Lashing should be applied only after consideration and calculation of the forces and movements that may act on the cargo. Calculations should be based on relevant codes or standards such as the CTU Code. Cordstrap’s team of cargo securing experts can advise for specific applications.
  • Compliance with the latest version of the CTU code is important for shippers – who are now explicitly responsible for delivering a cargo which is safe and suitable for transport. All Cordstrap shipping solutions are fully CTU code compliant.
  • Different securing materials have divergent load-deformation properties – and different types must thus not be used to secure the same item of cargo.
  • Cordstrap strapping and lashing comes in different strengths, from 1,000 lbs (450 daN) to in excess of 45,000 lbs (20,000 daN). Note that polypropylene based straps, whilst superficially similar, have completely different elongation properties from Cordstrap strap.
  • The best lashing for a particular solution depends on a variety of factors such as the nature and weight of products and mode of transportation.
  • To determine the right size of dunnage bag for a particular cargo measure the void between the cargo elements, the distance from the floor to top of the load and the length of the pallets (or other cargo type) to be secured.

Heavy duty solutions for highly unpredictable environments

Ship Securing

For expert advice on cargo securing solutions contact us now

Contact now