Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in light of the capacity crunch facing shippers, many are opting for vessels other than purpose-built container ships to transport their cargo – to their detriment.
P&I club Steamship Mutual says it has recently received a number of enquiries concerning the carriage of containers on vessels not primarily designed to carry containers on deck and/or inside cargo holds, such as bulk carriers and general cargo vessels.
The Club points out that in at least one instance, carriage of containers on a bulk carrier has resulted in a container stack collapse within the hold, necessitating a return to port in order to restow the containers.
A case in point comes from marine claims consultancy WK Webster and involves the bulk carrier GREAT BEAUTY, which experienced a shift/collapse of stow of containers during high winds and waves arising as a result of Typhoon "In-Fa" during the course of the vessel's voyage from Taicang, China to Savannah, USA.
The vessel was forced to return to Taicang anchorage for inspection and remedial works – and it’s possible that general average and/or recovery issues may arise as a result of this casualty.
Because it’s a bulk carrier, it will be necessary to investigate, amongst other things, the stowage and securing arrangements within the holds and whether these were appropriate in the circumstances, according to the claims consultancy.
Using a non-container vessel clearly comes with risks, which is why it’s critical to ensure that a ship is suitable for the safe loading, carriage and discharge of the cargo - and is equipped with the appropriate means of securing such cargo, says Steamship Mutual. The Club has issued a lengthy guide to shippers opting for alternatives as they battle to solve their capacity issues.
Container stack collapse and the consequential collateral damage to people, environment and property are not uncommon, says the Club, even in vessels specifically designed to carry containers. “For vessels not designed, strengthened, and equipped for the safe carriage of containers, the challenges can be greater, with consideration in regard to retrofitting and/or modifications being required to meet the requirements for safe carriage of containerised cargo.”
The bottom line – opting for vessels not designed for the purpose intended is risky business, with costly consequences when things go wrong.
