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ClassNK releases new stowage guidelines

ClassNK releases new stowage guidelines
ClassNK has updated its Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements, as a response to the increasing size of container vessels.

The group cited the increase of size of newbuilds to an average of 7,000 teu in 2014, as well as a number of technologies improving the efficiency of container loading.

Amendments include changing evaluation methods to allow for the effect of sea routes on stowage, as well as new class notation for vessels with lashing calculation programs, and the addition of class procedures for ships in compliance with Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS) Annex 14.

"Taking into consideration ISO standards, the growing diversity of actual stowage and securing methods on container vessels and loads acting on containers due to ship motions, ClassNK has developed strength evaluation methods for safer stowage and securing arrangements," the group said in a statement.

The news emerges after ClassNK found that cargo loading played a role in the MOL Comfort incident last year.