English Maritime Terminology on Ship and Cargo Handling

7.3 Truck, Trailer, and Vehicle Handling

The efficient handling and securing of trucks, trailers, and other vehicles on board ships is crucial for safety and operational efficiency.

Types of Vehicles

A wide range of vehicles are transported by sea, including:

• Trucks and Trailers: Various types, including box trucks, flatbed trailers, and refrigerated trailers.
• Passenger Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, and vans.
• Construction Equipment: Bulldozers, excavators, and cranes.
• Military Vehicles: Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and military trucks.

Vehicle Handling Equipment

Specialized equipment is used to handle vehicles on board ships:

• Ramp Systems: Inclined ramps for driving vehicles onto and off the ship.
• Hydraulic Lifts: Used to elevate vehicles to the ship's deck level.
• Forklifts: For moving vehicles within the ship's hold.
• Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Ships: Vessels designed to accommodate roll-on/roll-off traffic.

Vehicle Stowage Planning

Proper stowage planning is essential to maximize space utilization and ensure vessel stability. Key considerations include:

• Weight Distribution: Vehicles are distributed evenly to maintain the vessel's center of gravity.
• Stability: Cargo is stowed to ensure the vessel remains stable in various sea conditions.
• Securing: Vehicles are secured using appropriate lashing and chocking to prevent movement during transit.

Vehicle Lashing and Securing

Effective lashing and securing are crucial to prevent vehicle movement and damage during transit. Common methods include:

• Wheel Chocks: Used to immobilize the wheels of vehicles.
• Lashing Chains and Webbing: Used to secure vehicles to the ship's deck or to adjacent vehicles.
• Twist Locks: Mechanical devices used to connect containers and vehicles to the ship's structure.