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Containership operation: Handling Breakbulk,out of gauge (OOG) and Open containers

Breakbulk cargo is usually stowed on flat racks and platforms. It is vital to confirm that the breakbulk cargo itself is properly secured onto the Flat frame or Platform before loading on board. Terminal staff must do it to the vessel's satisfaction if additional lashing or tightening of existing lashing is required.

If not, vessel operator shall be advised of the situation, and in any case, such shipment posing a danger to vessel safety shall not be accepted for carriage. Prior loading out of gauge cargo, hatch cover clearance, and cell guide clearance must be verified to confirm that there will be no contact or damage to the vessel or cargo when loaded. Close monitoring during loading will also be required as sometimes protrusion dimensions provided may not be accurate. Loading Out of gauge units will likely involve use of special equipment attached to gantry cranes.



containerships operational matters
Oil Tanker Safety Guide
A careful watch is required on such operation as it is more prone to damage to vessel or cargo if not handled well. Loaded open containers like open-top units, flat racks, platforms, etc. are usually stowed Under Deck and in case of an On Deck Stow. Local planners or agents may be requested for such approval before loading.

out of gauge cargo
Fig: Out of Gauge Cargo



Related topics

2 in 1 container operation in cargo hold

How to load 45 feet containers

Container damage in ''2 in 1'' cargo Operation



Container handling more info pages:

  1. Definition of various containers in containership
    The exterior dimensions of all containers conforming to ISO standards are 20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet 6 inches high or 9 feet 6 inches high for high cube containers. Some of the most commonly used types are:Read more......


  2. Dimensions of various containers
  3. Containers are standardized cargo units. They are manufactured in a large variety of sizes and types, each designed to meet specific cargo and transportation requirements. Their length is usually 20 or 40 feet, although longer containers are used, principally in the US trade; these containers are 45, 48 and 53 feet long.
    Read more......

  4. Containership advantages : In principle they are boxes or containers within a box. These boxes or containers have dimensions of 2.60 x 2.45 m with lengths of 6.10, 9.15 and 12.20 m. Containers are made in steel, aluminium or GRP. They are also of refrigerated design, thus advantageous for long voyages between Australia or New Zealand and the UK. Read more......


  5. Containership cargo stowage and planning : When considering acceptability of a container cargo stowage plan, the following procedures / guidelines concerning cargo stowage shall be taken into account: Stacking Weights Restrictions, Lashing strength calculation, Dangerous goods storage and segregation, Reefer Container Stowage, Out of Gauge Container Stowage , ....Read more......

  6. DG cargo handling - IMDG code guideline :The general provisions for segregation between the various classes of dangerous goods are shown in "Segregation table" (IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.16). In addition to the general provisions, there may be a need to segregate a particular substance, material or article from other goods which could contribute to its hazard. Read more......


  7. How to avoid irregular stowage of containers ? Stowage plan must be checked for any irregular stowage like those mentioned here : Stacking Weights, Lashing Strength, Special Container Stowage, Over-stow of Containers, Dangerous Cargo Stowage & Segregation, 20 or 40 or 45 feet Compulsory Stowage Locations, Hatch Cover Clearance (High cube containers Under Deck ), Out of Gauge Container Stowage etc.Read more......


  8. Measures against lashing failure : Lashing strength of deck cargo shall be ascertained by using the appropriate lashing strength calculation software where provided. All resulting values for lashing strength must be within the tolerance limits prescribed by vessels classification society.Read more......


  9. Reefer container stowage guideline : Reefer containers proposed for stowage must be accompanied by a reefer manifest. This reefer manifest should contain information regarding Container No., Stow position, Commodity, Temperature and Ventilation status. Read more......


  10. Care of Reefer container during sea passage :Reefer containers require special care after they are loaded on board ship. These containers need to be supplied with power, monitored closely for proper function and repaired as required in case of malfunction. Read more......


  11. Container ships procedures for securing for sea :All movable items on deck, inside accommodation and in E/R spaces, including under-deck passages and steering flat are firmly secured. Any unsecured items, in heavy weather, risk not only being damaged themselves, but could also pose a danger to vessel safety by violent contact with sensitive equipment or fittings.Read more......


  12. Deployment and monitoring of moorings and safety of crew : The Company's Risk Assessment procedure shall be utilized to ensure that during all anticipated mooring arrangements and equipment use, the safety of the crew is ensured. Read more......


  13. Cargo securing procedure for container ship :Securing equipment will vary depending on the type of ship but is likely to include; Twistlocks Lashing bars Turnbuckles Extension hooks Stacking cones (single and double) Twist Stackers Lashing D rings Shoes/Sockets for base twist lock ...Read more......


  14. Containership operation -Check items upon completion of repair works : As the nature of container ship operation, it's a tread to be lack of stability, due to Top Heavy Load, the Master shall always take special attention for her stability. Also, the Master should remind factors to cause reducing stability more such as Alternating course with Big angle of Rudder, Towing by tugs at the scene of Berthing / Un-berthing, etc. Read more......


  15. Containership operation -Cargo ventilation requirement : Cargo holds of container ships are fitted with two basic types of ventilation systems, namely natural and mechanical. Mechanical ventilation could be of either the supply or the exhaust type. Read more......


  16. Containership operation -How to avoid wet damage ? :Water entered into vessel cargo holds may cause wet damage to the cargo inside containers especially stowed on the bottom, unless the bilge water is drained in a proper and swift manner. Read more......


  17. Various container handling safety technics
    The daily operations involved in a busy container terminal can be termed as one of the most complex environments within the transport sector. To improve productivity in cargo handling, most terminal operators employ equipment such as straddle carriers and gantries for moving containers into and out of the terminal stack and positioning beneath a portainer crane for lifting onboard the ship.
    Read more...

  18. Safe cargo stowage and planning
    When considering acceptability of a container cargo stowage plan, some basic check items, procedures / guidelines concerning cargo stowage shall be taken into account . Read more...
    Cellular containership
    Cellular containership

  19. Safe Cargo operation

    On Arrival Port, Prior Commencing Cargo Operation 1) The composition of cargo watch personnel shall be decided, and duties well understood. 2) All personnel involved in the cargo watch shall be briefed regarding the expected operations and provided with a Cargo Discharge Plan . Read more...

  20. Container packing /stuffing, unpacking, cleaning & fumigation technics: Packing of a container should pose no problems to stevedores accustomed to stowing a general cargo but with packing taking place remotely from a port, the necessary expertise may not be available.

  21. Cargo cranes operation, maintenance & safety matters

  22. Guidelines and procedures concerning containership hull strength & stability
    When considering acceptability of a container cargo stowage plan, the following procedures/guidelines concerning hull strength & stability shall be taken into account:
    a) Draft, Trim, and Heel Draft restrictions at berth, approaches, passage, and next port shall be taken into consideration, and vessels maximum draft must be maintained within the applicable restriction. Read more...

  23. Procedures for dangerous cargo handling and documentation
    Handling dangerous cargo requires special care due to the inherently hazardous nature of the cargo and applicable carriage regulations.
    Read more...

  24. Procedures for reefer cargo handling
    Reefer containers require special care after they are loaded on board ship. These containers need to be supplied with power, monitored closely for proper function and repaired as required in case of malfunction.
    Read more...

  25. Handling breakbulk,Out of gauge and open top containers
    Break bulk cargo is usually stowed on flat racks and platforms. It is important to confirm that the break bulk cargo itself is properly secured onto the Flat rack or Platform prior loading on board.
    Read more...

  26. Containership operation: 2 in 1 (Two in One) Loading
    The term 2 in 1 operation is typically used when two 20feet units are loaded in one 40feet bay underdeck. When such loading operation is being conducted, it must be ensured that the terminal staff is aware of the vessels lashing system.
    Read more...

  27. Containership operation: On Deck Loading of 20feet Containers
    20feet containers loaded on deck must be spaced apart in order to leave room for lashing each container on the fore and aft ends.
    Read more...

  28. Containership operation: Opening closing hatch covers
    Hatch cover operations are frequently carried out on board container ships but due care is necessary to prevent damage by incorrect operation.
    Read more...

  29. Containership operation: Cargo lashing
    Regular inspection and maintenance of ship cargo securing devices must be carried out. These would include a routine visual examination of components being utilized, lubrication of securing devices, repair of damaged securing devices and separating and rejecting damaged/unusable securing devices.
    Read more...

    Containership Cargo securing
    When containers are carried on deck, the ship is required to be approved for that purpose and the containers themselves are secured with twistlocks and lashings. These usually consist of steel rods and turnbuckles.
    Read more...

  30. Containership Cargo Securing Devices (Lashing Gear Box Containers)
    Vessel shall account for all lashing gear box containers including bins prior departure from every port.
    Read more...

    CMA CGM Lamartine at sea passage
    CMA CGM Lamartine at sea passage


  31. Containership Cargo hold ventilation
    Cargo holds of container ships are fitted with two basic types of ventilation systems, namely natural and mechanical. Mechanical ventilation could be of either the supply or the exhaust type.
    Read more...

  32. Safety navigation for container ships
    While planning the passage for intended voyage the safety of navigation should be accommodated in, where it is both reasonable and possible to do so,
    Read more...

  33. Containership Cargo care at sea
    Condition of Cargo (Container) Securing / Lashing shall be checked at least once daily and tightened as required.
    Read more...

  34. Containership operation: Safety of personnel
    On board containerships there are several potential safety hazards in the cargo working area and these will have to be identified, made safe and monitored to ensure continued safety.
    Read more...

  35. Containership operation: wet damage in cargo hold
    Water entered into vessel cargo holds may cause wet damage to the cargo inside containers especially stowed on the bottom, unless the bilge water is drained in a proper and swift manner.
    Read more...

  36. Containership operation: hull damage stevedores
    In case a third party including stevedores is responsible for an accident caused by work, such as Cargo handling, Bunkering, or Loading ships stores or the like, the Master shall handle the accident with appropriate steps to claim for damages.
    Read more...

  37. Measures to protect the vessel side against stevedores injury
    All working areas and accesses must be checked to be clear of any slippery matter and obstructions, be structurally sound and well lit before stevedores come on board.
    Read more...

  38. Measures to protect reefer cargo deterioration
    Check and monitor each reefer container as per voyage instruction, which requires some basic check items.
    Read more...

  39. Containership Navigation : Ships motion in a seaway
    Ships are affected by movement in six degrees of freedom; rolling, pitching, heaving, swaying, surging and yawing. Of these, rolling, pitching and heaving generate the highest forces during heavy weather.
    Read more...

  40. Containership Cargo Securing Arrangement
    Details of the securing system and its constraints are set out in the vessels approved Cargo/Container Securing Manual.
    Read more...

  41. Containership Cargo Operation : Common reasons for stowfall
    Container stows often fail due to:

    Container stacks being too heavy and too high overall, exposing the lower containers to excessive transverse racking and compressive forces due to the tipping effect.
    Read more...

  42. Containership operation : Ships motion in a seaway :parametric roll
    The term parametric roll is used to describe the phenomenon of large unstable roll motion suddenly occurring in head or stern seas.
    Read more...





Other info pages !

Ships Charterparties Related terms & guideline
Stevedores injury How to prevent injury onboard
Environmental issues How to prevent marine pollution
Cargo & Ballast Handling Safety Guideline
Reefer cargo handling Troubleshoot and countermeasures
DG cargo handling Procedures & Guidelines
Safety in engine room Standard procedures
Questions from user and feedback Read our knowledgebase






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