New ABS Notation Boosts Container Ship Capacity While Maintaining Safety

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  • ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), a leading classification society, has introduced a new notation, CLP-V(PARR), that allows container ship operators to safely carry an additional tier of containers on deck.
  • This innovative approach optimizes stowage and lashing procedures without compromising safety, potentially increasing container capacity by up to 4.6%.

Key Benefits of CLP-V(PARR)

  • Increased Revenue Potential: By maximizing container capacity, operators can potentially generate significant additional revenue. For instance, a typical 15,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) vessel could carry up to 640 more containers (a 4.4% increase), while a 24,000 TEU vessel could see an increase of up to 960 containers (a 4.6% increase).
  • Enhanced Safety: Despite the increase in cargo, safety remains paramount. CLP-V(PARR) combines ABS’s Computer Lashing Program notation with mandatory parametric rolling guidance. This ensures optimal container stowage and lashing procedures to minimize the risk of container loss due to parametric rolling, a phenomenon where large waves cause a ship to roll excessively.
  • Route-Specific Optimization: Unlike traditional methods, CLP-V(PARR) employs a unique approach. It calculates load reduction factors based on specific route segments rather than the entire voyage. This allows for a more nuanced approach, taking into account varying weather conditions along different parts of the journey.
  • Operational Flexibility: By analyzing wave scatter diagrams, operators can determine more precise load reduction factors for specific route sections. This allows for adjustments to lashing calculations and physical stowage, enabling operators to optimize loading based on the upcoming sea conditions and potentially maximize their cargo capacity.
  • Seamless Integration: CLP-V(PARR) integrates seamlessly with existing processes and commercially available voyage planning software. This makes it easy for operators to adopt the new notation and leverage its benefits.
  • Improved Decision-Making: The notation can be used to visualize the impact of additional loading on profitability and potential safety implications of route diversions. This empowers operators to make informed decisions regarding cargo volume and route planning.

ABS’s Commitment to Innovation

ABS has a long history of supporting the container ship industry, dating back to the voyage of the first containership, Ideal X, in 1956. The introduction of CLP-V(PARR) demonstrates their ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and profitability for container ship operators.

The Future of Container Shipping

The CLP-V(PARR) notation represents a significant advancement in container ship optimization. It offers a practical and safe way to increase cargo capacity, potentially revolutionizing the economics of container shipping.

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Source: ABS