Container Losses From Vessels Using Fully Automatic Twistlocks

CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS

The Association has become aware of a number of recent incidents of container losses and collapsed stows during heavy weather that have given rise to concerns with regard to the use of fully automatic twistlocks.

Initial investigations indicate that an apparent common feature of the incidents has been that the ships involved were large container ships fitted with fully automatic twistlocks of the latest design and manufacture.  As a precaution, one manufacturer of fully automatic twistlocks is initiating the replacement of fully automatic twistlocks with proven semi-automatic twistlocks for its customers.

Members whose ships are equipped with fully automatic twistlocks are advised to take note of the above observations and contact their lashing equipment manufacturer and classification societies for advice and to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of such incidents.  In this respect owners may wish to consider temporary reductions of container stack heights, revised weather routing and replacement of suspect lashing equipment.

AP BAKER

MANAGER – North Insurance Management Limited

As Managers on behalf of the North of England P&I Association Limited