Hyundai Heavy Industries Develops 'Lashing-Free Container Ship' Requiring No Fixed Work

Obtained Design Approval for Container Loading Using 'Portable Bench' Device

Conceptual diagram of a lashing-free container ship. Photo by Hyundai Heavy Industries

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Hyundai Heavy Industries has developed the world's first new-concept container ship that does not require container lashing operations.

On the 1st, Hyundai Heavy Industries obtained 'Design Approval' for the 'Lashing-Free Container Ship' from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Liberian Registry at its headquarters in Ulsan.

Container ships load containers inside the cargo hold to maximize capacity, then close the hatch cover, which is the cargo hold cover, and stack containers on top of it. At this time, the containers stacked on the hatch cover need to be secured to a steel structure called the lashing bridge, which acts as a support to prevent movement during navigation. This securing process is called 'lashing.'

The lashing-free container ship developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries uses a new-concept device called the 'Portable Bench' (trademark: SkyBenchV2), which receives the load of containers stacked on the deck and transfers it to the hull, eliminating the need for the lashing bridge and hatch cover. Instead, the cell guide, a device that allows containers inside the cargo hold to be stacked vertically aligned, is extended above the deck.

Containers loaded on the upper part of the deck are fixed by the extended cell guide, making lashing unnecessary.

By applying the Portable Bench, the costly and time-consuming lashing process can be omitted, greatly improving the convenience and efficiency of container handling operations.

Also, since the containers on the upper deck are enclosed by the cell guide structure, they can be secured more stably than with the existing lashing bridge structure, preventing accidents such as containers toppling or being lost in rough seas, and fundamentally preventing safety accidents that occur during lashing operations.

Hyundai Heavy Industries has completed domestic and international patent applications for the lashing-free container ship and the Portable Bench.

Joo Won-ho, Head of Technology at Hyundai Heavy Industries, said, "The lashing-free container ship is a new-concept technology that can fundamentally eliminate lashing-related work and cargo loss, which are major challenges in the container ship industry. We will continue to strive for market-leading technology development that differentiates us from competitors to stay ahead in fierce order competitions."

Darren Leskowski, ABS Representative for Far East Asia, said, "The lashing-free container technology is a revolutionary technology that enhances the safety and efficiency of container ship operations. ABS is pleased to take a step forward in the development of container loading technology through cooperation with Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Liberian Registry."

Thomas Clennam, Vice President of the Liberian Registry, said, "Lashing-free container ships contribute to the safety of ship operations and environmental protection, and can improve cargo handling efficiency. Hyundai Heavy Industries has demonstrated enhanced safety and competitive advantage through new technology and innovative design."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.