What is stowage under deck?

Positioning of dangerous goods containers on board vessels are categorised by ‘stowage categories’ to ensure safety. When we look at a container vessel all those containers we see outside are stowed on deck. The containers stowed below the hatch covers are under-deck stowed units.

How containers are stacked on ships?

On ships they stack like-sized containers one right on top of another, lining up corner-post to corner-post. If you look carefully, you’ll see that the corner-posts sit just a little lower than the bottom of the container and just a little higher than the top of the container.

What is the difference between above and below deck containers?

Below deck containers (below the hatch covers) are held in place side to side but are not locked to the above or below containers. Below deck containers need no additional securing.

How do you secure below deck containers?

Below deck containers (below the hatch covers) are held in place side to side but are not locked to the above or below containers. Below deck containers need no additional securing. The hatch covers are put in place and then containers can be loaded on top of the hatch cover. Click to see full answer

How are containers attached to ships?

Depending on the ship configuration and if the container will be secured above decks or below the hatch covers the Stevedores (1 on each end of the container) take the proper container fitting out of the flat rack twistlock bins and attach them to the container corners. Flat rack bins can be seen on the deck in the picture above (left photo).

How do containerships increase the carrying capacity of ships?

According to the book, “the carrying capacity of the vessel is enhanced when cargo is stored in containers because deck space may be utilized more extensively. Modern containerships often carry containers up to five high on deck, held in position by a combination of corner locking devices and lashings.