Poor stowage risks

North P&I club has seen an increase in claims from poor stowage and securing of break bulk cargos, particularly on ships from China. Such cargos – typically of bags and timber as well as construction components and plant – can put people, cargo and vessels at risk if they start shifting at sea. North’s head of loss prevention Tony Baker said “Poor loading practices of break bulk cargos are particularly prevalent in Chinese ports and have led to cargo shifting and stows collapsing during voyages. This in turn has resulted in damage to vessels and cargo and to cargo being lost overboard, resulting in substantial claims.” Problems include over-stowing incompatible cargos and the improper or insufficient use of lashings, dunnage and shoring.