HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered what it describes as the world’s first container ship equipped with a hybrid lashing-free system, marking the commercial application of a technology designed to reduce manual container securing operations.
The 13,000 TEU vessel was delivered to an unnamed French shipping company, according to HD Hyundai.
The new system extends cell guides, the vertical structures used to guide and secure containers inside cargo holds, above the vessel’s upper deck.
This allows containers to be secured within the extended structure, reducing the need for conventional manual lashing and unlashing operations on deck.
System increases deck cargo capacity
HD Hyundai said the technology can increase the allowable cargo weight carried on deck by more than 10% compared with conventional arrangements.
The system is also designed to improve operational efficiency during cargo handling by reducing the amount of lashing work required when containers are loaded or discharged.
Traditional container ships rely on lashing rods and related securing equipment to prevent containers from shifting while at sea. These operations require personnel to work around container stacks during port calls.
By extending the cell-guide structure above deck, the new design aims to reduce these manual operations while maintaining container stability.
HD Hyundai said the technology could also contribute to improved safety for workers involved in container handling operations.
Concept moves from design to commercial vessel
The delivery represents the latest stage in the development of HD Hyundai’s lashing-free container ship concept.
Hyundai Heavy Industries first unveiled the concept in 2022, when the design received Approval in Principle from classification societies ABS and Lloyd’s Register.
At the time, the company said eliminating conventional lashing work could shorten container loading and unloading times while reducing safety risks associated with securing operations.
The latest 13,000 TEU vessel marks the first application of the hybrid lashing-free technology on a commercially delivered container ship.
HD Hyundai expects the technology to attract further interest as container shipping companies seek ways to improve vessel capacity, cargo-handling efficiency and safety during port operations.
