LR releases software for developing safer container vessel design

MANILA, July 30 (PNA) -- Ship classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) announced that it has developed and released new container-securing rules and software to provide a robust framework for safer, more effective modern vessel designs.

LR stated that the new regulations, rules and supporting software, which were developed after detailed consultation with major container-shipping lines and manufacturers of lashing equipment, come about as the container-shipping market shows early signs of recovery brought by the slowdown caused by the global financial crisis.

“These rules are the culmination of a great deal of detailed work with operators, builders, designers and port operators,” LR global manager for container ships David Tozer said.

“Safety, as always, comes first. But ensuring flexibility in loading and discharging operations is vital for operators. So these new rules were created to combine safety and flexibility, allowing more sophisticated and varied container stows to save time and expense in port," he added.

The rules and software follow last year’s release of LR’s guidance on ergonomic container lashing (ECL), supported by the ECL notation.

Tozer described the main benefits in providing the new container securing rules as:

• a reduced risk of losing containers overboard, with associated environmental risks and cost

• a reduced risk of loss of life or serious injury to stevedores and crew engaged in container lashing

• more effective lashing techniques for new, much larger, container ships

• increased potential for innovative and flexible lashing designs and arrangements

• increased flexibility in the allowable weight of containers in certain configurations

Tozer said that LR’s LashRight software is the group’s new dedicated container-securing software.

It calculates the forces acting in lashed and unlashed stacks on deck and validates the results against the requirements contained in Part 3 of LR’s rules and regulations for the classification of ships.

LashRight quickly identifies areas which have failed the assessment, helping designers to make the required changes to container arrangement, weight distribution or lashing equipment. This helps to ensure compliance with requirements and reduces the risk of containers being damaged or lost overboard.

Key features:

• step-by-step ‘wizards’ help designers to carry out analysis quickly and efficiently

• calculations are performed in real time; changes are accommodated as they are made

• results are calculated for pitching, rolling and combined conditions, in accordance with the rules or user requirements

• covers industry standard containers and lashing equipment, or users can add custom specifications to the software’s library. (PNA)
DCT/PFN