LOCOPIAS module: Lashing
Assessment of container lashings is possible in LOCOPIAS software with the lashing extension for the container module. For the reason that container securing has always been a topic of interest, however, the tragic event with MSC Zoe, losing 342 containers just off the Dutch coast, struck SARC as Dutch company in particular.
Fortunately, research towards better understanding of container motions and forces is undertaken worldwide, which has also led to the development of container lashing assessment tools from different classification societies. E.g. the particular tool from DNV Stowlash and BV VeriSTAR Lashing have advanced 3D strain-redistributing computation schemes. For this reason SARC decided to farm out the computation of forces acting upon the container stacks to Stowlash / VeriSTAR Lashing, while all input of lashings, twistlocks and other container connections is done in LOCOPIAS’ familiar user-friendly GUI’s. In this fashion all relevant forces –– such as in lashing rods, twist locks, container corners and container walls — for a particular stack of containers are computed in real time for each container loading case in LOCOPIAS, and compared with the acceptable limits. Obviously, if limits are exceeded the computer operator is warned, so he or she will be invited to modify the container distribution and/or the lashing scheme.
A reduction variant for weather dependent lashing is also available in LOCOPIAS. This can be used if the vessel has or applies for the DNV RSCS+ class notation or the BV LASHING-WAF / RSSA notation.
