Singapore’s Jurong Port Lloyds Register update cargo stowage guidelines

The guidance targets cargo preparation and discharge across ports and supply chains.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) collaborated with Singapore’s Jurong Port to revise its Best Practice Guidelines for Stowage and Securing of Steel & General Cargoes, placing personnel safety at the centre of cargo operations.

LR’s review focused on the transport and discharge of general cargoes, covering cargo accessibility, segregation, dunnage arrangements, bundling methods, lashing practices, and cargo presentation for safe and efficient stevedoring operations.

The classification society said in a statement that the updated guidance aims to protect personnel involved in cargo handling, prevent cargo damage, and improve the efficiency of discharge operations across ports and supply chains.

As supply chains become more complex and project cargoes and steel products grow in size and value, ensuring cargo is prepared correctly before reaching the port has become increasingly important.

The guidance seeks to address poor stowage, inadequate securing arrangements, and inconsistent cargo presentation through a more consistent and practical approach to cargo preparation, stowage and securing.

It provides recommendations for cargo owners, shippers, vessel operators, stevedores, and terminal operators.

“The industry continues to see avoidable cargo damage, safety risks and operational disruption resulting from poor stowage, inadequate securing arrangements, and insufficient consideration of discharge requirements,” said Taylor Wamburg, Regional Advisory Lead of LR.

The guidelines were assessed against key international requirements, including the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1353 on Cargo Securing Manuals, relevant provisions of the ISM Code, and recognised industry best practice for transporting and handling general cargo.

They also incorporate lessons learned from operational experience and common deficiencies observed in general cargo shipments.

“By working with Lloyd’s Register to strengthen these guidelines, we aim to promote greater consistency in industry practices that reduce safety risks, cargo damage and operational disruptions, whilst improving the productivity and reliability of cargo handling,” said Willie Liao, Senior Manager, Strategic Port Planning & Transformation, Jurong Port.