[231012.EN.SEA] Lloyd's Register Formula To Allow Heavier Boxes Higher On Deck Welcomed

LLOYD'S REGISTER's new formula to permit heavier containers to be stacked higher on deck has been welcomed by the industry because it takes into account the vast increases in ship sizes since the regulations were first promulgated.

"We welcome such initiatives and are ready to adopt any new development that provides the opportunity to increase capacity on our vessels without compromising safety," said Maersk optimisation and innovation specialist Peter Stensgaard.

"It is comforting to know that the classification societies are moving together with the rest of the business in providing solutions to transport our cargo safely even on the largest vessels afloat," he said.

London's Containerisation International quoted one industry insider as saying. "Allowing greater numbers of heavier containers to be carried will enable greater containerisation of break bulk and bulk cargoes."

But India's MARG Karaikal Port vice president Ram Ganesan said: "While this would definitely allow heavier containers to be carried higher up, the effects of such carriage on the stability of a ship need to be studied before this method can be used. Also, on existing ships, the vision of the navigator from the bridge in all conditions of trim needs to be studied."

Source : SN-TR, 22.10.12.