Containers – "Should Terminals Weigh or not Weigh"

Container collapses can occur at sea as a result of a number of factors such as inadequate, deficient or improper securing, improper stowage configuration, excessive stability, the failure of the vessel to assess storm movement or to take action in deteriorating weather. This list is not comprehensive.

A secondary factor which is sometimes added to the melting pot as an issue is the declared weights of the containers by shippers which are loaded on board.

1. The weight issue is highlighted in various investigations that have been carried out by the British Marine Accident Investigation Board ("MAIB") into incidences involving container ships in British and foreign waters in the last few years. One of the most high profile of these has been their investigation of the MSC Napoli in 2007 where heavy seas buckled the vessel just forward of the engine room. This resulted in the vessel being blown ashore and being broken in half. The buckling strength of the engine room