HD Hyundai introduces lashing-free container ship

Vessel can carry over 10% more cargo weight on deck than conventional ships of the same type.

HD Hyundai has introduced a lashing-free container ship, eliminating the need for workers to manually secure containers on board.

The company announced on 6 October that it had delivered a 13,000-TEU container ship to a French shipping company with its hybrid Lashing-Free technology partially applied.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries developed and validated the technology’s key components, whilst HD Hyundai Samho handled the vessel’s detailed design and construction.

The system extends cell guides, which align vertically stacked containers, above deck. To prevent conventional hatch covers from obstructing the guides, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries developed a portable bench that fits between them.

The bench has the same dimensions as a 40-foot container and can be handled using standard port cranes. The company expects the technology to accelerate automation and unmanned operations across container terminals and the wider logistics network connecting land and sea

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also developed a Twistlock Rooting System to secure containers stored outside the cell guide area to the vessel’s structure.

The system allows the ship to carry over 10% more cargo weight on deck than conventional vessels of the same type. It also secures containers in rough seas and strong winds, helping prevent cargo loss, improve maritime safety and reduce the risk of marine pollution.

Sea trials in September showed that the system significantly reduced vibration compared with conventional designs using hatch covers and lashing bridges. HD Hyundai is developing a next-generation version with weathertight features.

“We plan to expand the application of this new container transportation technology to small- and medium-sized vessels,” said Hongryeul Ryu, senior executive vice president and chief technology officer at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. “By continuing to develop differentiated technologies that deliver tangible value to customers in areas such as safety, loading efficiency and automation, we aim to further strengthen our ability to secure new orders.”