Language: EN | 中文 |

Why don't shipping containers fall over?


"Do you ever wondered why shipping containers can be stacked so high on ships and not fall over while swaying back and forth at sea? The author himself is curious about this question, so today we'll explore why shipping containers don't fall over.

Let's dive into the topic now, Let's Go!"
 


 

Reasons

1. Shipping containers are generally similar in size.

Shipping containers actually adhere to strict standardized dimensions, which ensures that containers used by different countries are generally similar in size.

However, it's important to note that the types of containers must also be the same for them to be stackable together. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to be stacked.
 


 

2. Hatch coamings & container twist locks

Actually, there are slots on the deck of the ship called hatch coamings, which help secure the bottom-most containers in place.

In addition to these bottom slots, workers also install container twist locks at the four corners of the containers before placing them. These twist locks help tightly interlock the containers together, preventing shifting or falling.
 


 

3. Assistance from the crew

If the ship encounters unexpected situations during the journey, leading to conditions like containers tilting, the crew will promptly adjust the position of the containers. They will make every effort to protect the cargo on board.
 


 

Additional Information

  

1. How height can shipping containers be stacked?

If it's on land, there is no limit to the number of shipping containers that can be stacked. Although there is no limit on the quantity, workers still prioritize safety when stacking containers.

If it's at sea, the number of containers stacked must be calculated based on the ship's carrying capacity. However, generally, more than 10 containers are stacked.
 

  


2. Do shipping containers fall into the sea?

The answer is yes. When ships encounter very extreme weather conditions such as storms or rough seas, it is possible for shipping containers on deck to fall into the sea if they are not properly secured.

To avoid losses for businesses, shipping schedules are generally planned during relatively mild weather conditions, and efforts are made to avoid extreme weather as much as possible.
 



Conclusion
 

With advancements in technology, modern cargo ships have seen improvements in many aspects, leading to a reduction in the probability of maritime accidents compared to previous years. However, despite today's technology, we still cannot control changes in maritime weather. Therefore, it is often said that safety can be guaranteed up to 99%, with the remaining 1% subject to the whims of nature.

That's all for today's sharing. I hope this article helps everyone gain a better understanding of maritime shipping and containers. If you want to learn more about transportation, please continue to follow us!

27 Mar 2024