2006X05 Gard P&I Club: Automatic container locks

Loss Prevention Circulars 05-06 and 08-06 

Background
A large container vessel insured with Gard has recently experienced a serious loss of containers. While investigating the incident we learned of similar events with several other new, large vessels covered by other P&I clubs. One of the common factors seems to be that the vessels had all been using fully automatic container locks (FAT) between the container corner castings. Such locks appear to have been introduced in 2004, mainly onboard new, modern vessels.
Investigations are still ongoing but it seems clear that this type of lock, having holding power only by its geometrical shape, may under certain circumstances jump out of the corner castings. The best evidence is that this is happening during heavy pitching movements of the ship and that the containers may thereafter be lost when the vessel is rolling. In most cases the containers have been lost from the aft deck.

 

 

Recommendation
We expect that the class societies involved will investigate these events, but until a solution has been found, we recommend our members and clients to take note of the problem and learn from the unfortunate experiences already experienced. Members and clients with vessels using fully automatic container locks are recommended to contact their class societies as well as the manufacturer of the container locks to obtain their recommendations as to further actions. Gard has been informed of owners who have already taken substantial measures to rectify this situation, including replacing locks, applying limitations where heavy weather is expected and even reducing the height of the container stacks.

Gard’s member survey

As a part of our investigation of the container losses, Gard conducted a survey among some of its members.
This has revealed that the losses experienced by members seem to be limited to one type of FAT available in the market. Our recommendation in Loss Prevention Circular no. 05-06, to contact the respective suppliers of such locks to seek clarification of any limitations, is therefore still valid. A meeting of International Group’s Ship Technical Committee on this issue is expected to take place this autumn, when more evidence is available from the parties mentioned below. The intention is to also invite the classification societies to attend.

The use of fully automatic container locks does not have any implication on the scope of P&I cover, as long as the locks used are class approved and the container stowage complies with applicable regulations.

Recommendation

Gard is still of the opinion that it is prudent for shipowners to seek further information from the approving classification society and container lock manufacturer/supplier concerning the suitability and conditions for use of the specific type(s) of fully automatic container lock(s) that are being used or are intended to be used on board their ships, in order to minimise the risk of future losses.