Introduction

With the many changing trends of cargo transportation, it would be expected that the design and structure of cargo holds would change to meet the needs of modern shipping. This is clearly evident with container tonnage and the vehicle decks of the Roll-on, Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels. However, the changes in the carriage of general cargoes have been comparatively small. This is possible because most merchandise will suit the more popular container or similar unit load movement.

Hold structures have tended to go towards square corners to reduce broken stowage (BS), and suit palletization, pre-slung loads and the use of the fork lift truck inside the holds. Stowage by such vehicles are aided by flush decks in way of the turn of the bilge, as opposed to the angle turn in the sides of the holds of older tonnage.

Some specialist cargoes, like steel coils , still suit conventional holds and clearly would not be compatible inside containers, because of the shape and weight of each item. As with large case goods or castings, which tend to transport better by means of conventional stowage in the more conventional type vessel. Such merchandise is clearly edging towards heavy-lift type loads and these heavier loads are covered in detail here, alongside the designated heavy-lift ship and project cargoes.

The objective of this chapter is to provide an overall picture of an industry sector which is an essential part of cargo handling and general shipping practice. It does not have such a high profile...