Lashing & Unlashing (Cargo Securing)
Lashing is securing cargo on board so it stays in place at sea; unlashing is releasing it before discharge. It covers containers (twist locks, bridge fittings, lashing rods and turnbuckles), project and breakbulk cargo (chains, wire, webbing, shackles, dunnage and chocking), and ro-ro units and vehicles.
BEF Shipping coordinates and arranges lashing and unlashing operations at its operational points, liaising with the vessel, the terminal operator and stevedores on the plan and the timing.
Service Overview
Securing is carried out to the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual and to recognised guidance such as the IMO CSS Code. The master remains responsible for the securing of cargo.
The critical point of the operation is getting the right gear and experienced labour to the ship at the right moment in the cargo sequence. Unlashing must be completed before discharge, lashing after loading.
What BEF Shipping Provides
Operation coordination
Organising and following the lashing and unlashing operation at the terminal.
Lashing-plan liaison
Coordination with the vessel, terminal operator and stevedores on the lashing plan, sequence and timing.
Gear and labour arrangements
Arranging suitable lashing gear and labour through the terminal and approved providers.
Attendance and reporting
On-site attendance during the operation and progress reporting.
Alignment with cargo operations
Planning the securing so it does not delay the berth schedule.
Documentation
Documenting the work performed.
Operational Process
- 1
Plan review
The cargo plan and lashing requirements are assessed.
- 2
Gear and labour
Suitable gear and labour are arranged with the terminal.
- 3
Unlashing / lashing
Releasing before discharge or securing after loading is carried out.
- 4
Checks
The work is checked against the lashing plan and the manual.
- 5
Completion and reporting
The operation is completed and reported.
The securing method is governed by the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual and the terminal's procedures. The master is responsible for the securing of cargo.
Who This Service Is For
- Owners and operators — The party responsible for the safe carriage of cargo.
- Charterers and cargo interests — Parties managing the loading and discharge schedule.
- Project-cargo shippers — Companies moving heavy and out-of-gauge cargo.
- Ro-ro operators — Lines carrying vehicles and wheeled cargo.
Why Local Coordination Matters
Getting the right gear and experienced labour to the ship at the right point in the cargo sequence, working to the ship's manual and keeping the operation aligned with the berth window is the essence of the coordination.
Service Areas
Lashing and unlashing coordination is provided at the terminals where BEF Shipping operates — Mersin MIP, Taşucu Ceyport, SANKO and Iskenderun.
- Mersin MIP
- Mersin Marina
- Kumkuyu Marina
- Tasucu Ceyport
- SANKO
- Iskenderun
Practical Considerations
- Following the approved manual
- Securing carried out to the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual.
- Gear suitability
- The condition of the lashing gear and its suitability for the cargo.
- The master's responsibility
- Ultimate responsibility for cargo securing rests with the master.
- Timing
- The operation carried out at the right point within the cargo operation.
- Special cargo
- Additional requirements for project, heavy-lift and ro-ro cargo.
Common Questions
What is lashing and unlashing?
Lashing is securing cargo on the vessel; unlashing is releasing that securing before discharge.
What cargo does it apply to?
Containers, project and breakbulk cargo, heavy-lift cargo, and ro-ro units and vehicles.
Who is responsible for cargo securing?
The master is ultimately responsible for the securing of cargo; the operation is carried out to the ship's approved manual.
Do you follow the Cargo Securing Manual?
Yes. Securing is coordinated in line with the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual and recognised guidance.
At which terminals?
Mersin MIP, Taşucu Ceyport, SANKO and Iskenderun.
How is it coordinated with cargo operations?
The operation is planned around the loading and discharge sequence so it does not delay the berth schedule.
Let's plan your operation together
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