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Figure 1 Figure 2
The stowage plan is a complete diagram showing the Today most steamship companies have their own
location of the cargo loaded on board the ship (figure 1). Technical Departments that prepare stowage plans,
Traditionally the stowage plan looks like a vessel viewed complete load spreading calculations and prepare
from the side. Each port of discharge is clearly indicated method statements. Stowage and securing of cargo is
along with the cargo weight, description and possibly still the responsibility of the Master but a Port Captain
dimensions. The cargo stowed on the deck and in the can be of great assistance. An experienced Port Captain
tween deck is shown from a plan perspective, whereas can more than cover his costs with prior knowledge of
the cargo in the lower hold is shown in profile. the cargo, good planning and scheduling of labor.
To prepare a pre-stow plan the following information is Each of the decks has weight limitations; therefore,
essential: proper weight distribution and loadspreading measures
should be taken to prevent the decks from being
1. The intended load and discharge port rotation overloaded (figure 5).
2. The complete cargo specifications, including
description, weight and overall dimensions, special Cargo Compatibility
handling instructions, hazardous classifications and Care should be taken to ensure that incompatible
deck option cargoes are not stowed next to one another. There are
3. Complete details of all heavylifts and out of gauge international regulations covering the stowage of
units, including lifting instructions and the center of hazardous cargo but careful consideration should also
gravity be taken when loading food, liquids in drums or pails,
odorous or dusty commodities and fragile cargoes.
Numerous parameters must be considered when
preparing a pre-stow plan including: A well prepared pre-stow plan helps ensure a safe,
speedy vessel turnaround with minimum cost and cargo
Vessel Rotation damage. The final stowage plan includes details of the
The vessel’s full port rotation should be taken into final cargo distribution, the total weight and cube in each
account to ensure that no cargo is over-stowed. Shifting compartment and the total weight and cube for each
is expensive and increases the likelihood of cargo discharge port. The plan will show the location of all
damage. heavy lifts and hazardous cargo.
Weight Distribution In addition to the final cargo plan, the Port Captain and
The weight distribution determines the vessel’s trim, or Technical Department may also furnish discharge and
stability and stress levels. A perfect trim helps ensure the lifting instructions. These will enable the stevedore at
maximum speed with the minimum fuel consumption. The the discharge port to prepare all the equipment
ship must have adequate stability to ensure the safety of the necessary for operations prior to the vessels arrival
crew and cargo. The cargo weight should be stowed in a (figure 4). The will help ensure a speedy turnaround with
manner that prevents the vessel from becoming excessively minimal cargo damage.
stiff or tender. These two factors help determine how a
vessel behaves in a seaway and consequently the chances
of a cargo shifting in heavy weather.
Figure 4 Figure 5
Figure 6