Breakbulk Cargo Securing: Dunnage, Lashing and the Stowage Plan

Breakbulk cargo must be supported, separated and secured for the forces expected during the sea passage. Dunnage and lashing are therefore part of vessel suitability and voyage planning—not details to resolve only after the ship arrives.

Kiev Shipping Ltd reviews cargo information and securing responsibilities during chartering negotiations for machinery, steel products, industrial equipment and oversized units.

The stowage plan

A stowage plan shows where each cargo unit or parcel will be placed. It considers hold and deck dimensions, hatch access, crane outreach, unit weights, discharge sequence and vessel stability.

For multiport voyages, cargo intended for the first discharge port should remain accessible without unnecessary restowage of other parcels.

Purpose of dunnage

Dunnage distributes weight, protects cargo and vessel structures, creates separation and provides a foundation for securing. Timber, steel beams, stools, saddles or engineered grillages may be used depending on the cargo.

The material must be suitable for the load and comply with applicable treatment, certification and port requirements.

Load distribution

A deck or tank top may support the total cargo weight but still be vulnerable to excessive point loading. The footprint of skids, supports or wheels must be compared with permissible local loads.

Spreader plates, beams or grillages can distribute concentrated weight over a larger structural area. Heavy units may require engineering calculations before approval.

Blocking and bracing

Blocking prevents movement by creating physical restraints around the cargo. Bracing transfers loads to suitable structures or foundations.

The arrangement should not rely on weak cargo packaging or vessel components that were not designed to accept securing forces.

Lashing systems

Chains, wires, web lashings, turnbuckles and welded stoppers may be used individually or in combination. Their capacity, angle, pretension and attachment points determine how effectively they restrain the cargo.

More lashings do not automatically produce a safer system. The complete arrangement must address expected longitudinal, transverse and vertical forces.

Centre of gravity and securing points

The cargo’s centre of gravity affects lifting, stability and lashing calculations. A high or offset centre of gravity can increase overturning forces.

Certified securing points are preferable. Where they are unavailable, the proposed attachment method must be reviewed to avoid damaging the cargo or creating ineffective restraints.

Underdeck and weather-deck cargo

Underdeck cargo is protected from direct weather but still experiences vessel motion and requires appropriate securing. Weather-deck units face additional wind, wave and corrosion exposure.

Deck stowage can require stronger securing, weather protection, drainage and access for voyage inspections.

Who supplies and installs securing?

The charter party should allocate responsibility and cost for dunnage, lashing materials, welding, labour, engineering, surveys and removal after discharge.

Commercial allocation does not remove the master’s responsibility for vessel safety. Proposed arrangements remain subject to vessel and regulatory approval.

Documents and surveys

Heavy or unusual units may require method statements, lifting plans, securing calculations and drawings. A marine warranty surveyor or cargo surveyor may be involved when required by insurers, financiers or project contracts.

Final securing should be inspected and recorded before sailing. Photographs, certificates and survey reports form part of the voyage file.

Information needed before fixture

• dimensions and gross weight of every significant unit;
• centre of gravity and support footprint;
• lifting and securing points;
• packing and stackability;
• proposed stowage location;
• route, season and discharge sequence;
• required calculations, approvals and surveys.

Kiev Shipping Ltd

With more than 25 years of experience and over 350 voyages arranged, Kiev Shipping Ltd provides ship chartering and maritime brokerage for breakbulk and project cargoes on vessels from 3,000 to 50,000 mt.

Learn more about our breakbulk cargo chartering services.

📞 +380674010506 (WhatsApp)
🌐 https://kievshipping.com/

Kiev Shipping Ltd provides professional breakbulk vessel chartering solutions and maritime brokerage services for steel products, machinery, industrial equipment, construction materials and other non-containerized cargoes.

With more than 25 years of experience in ship chartering, Kiev Shipping Ltd assists cargo owners, traders, manufacturers, shipowners and operators with suitable vessel selection, freight negotiations and voyage coordination.

Choosing the right breakbulk chartering solution

Breakbulk shipments require individual assessment because cargo dimensions, weight, lifting requirements, stowage characteristics, loading methods and port restrictions can vary significantly.

1. Cargo evaluation

The chartering process begins with understanding the cargo. Dimensions, individual weights, number of units and handling requirements influence the type of vessel and equipment required.

2. Suitable vessel selection

Multipurpose and general cargo vessels differ in hold dimensions, hatch openings, deck strength, crane capacity and other technical characteristics. Kiev Shipping Ltd assists with identifying suitable tonnage for each shipment.

3. Freight negotiations

Freight levels depend on vessel availability, trading area, laycan, cargo characteristics and prevailing market conditions. Professional brokerage helps clients evaluate realistic market levels and negotiate appropriate commercial terms.

4. Charter party coordination

Clear agreement of freight, laycan, loading and discharge terms, cargo handling responsibilities and other charter party conditions is essential before fixing a vessel.

5. Voyage support

Commercial and operational coordination between cargo interests, shipowners and operators continues after the fixture and throughout the voyage.

Breakbulk cargoes we handle

• Steel coils, billets and rebar
• Machinery and industrial equipment
• Construction materials
• Bagged and unitized cargoes
• Heavy and oversized cargo
• Mixed general and breakbulk shipments

International breakbulk chartering

Kiev Shipping Ltd works across the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Continent, Baltic, Red Sea and other international trading areas.

For breakbulk cargo inquiries and vessel chartering opportunities, visit:

Breakbulk Cargo Chartering — Kiev Shipping Ltd

Kiev Shipping Ltd — professional ship chartering and maritime brokerage focused on Breakbulk Cargo, Project Cargo and Dry Bulk Cargo.