Lashing Force Calculator
Calculate cargo securing requirements
Lashing Force Calculator
Calculate required lashing forces for project cargo securing based on IMO CSS Code standards. Analyze ship accelerations, select appropriate equipment, and ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations.
Height of CoG from base of cargo
Large vessel for bulk commodities like grain, coal, or ore
Exposed to weather, highest forces
Optimal angle: 45° (balanced horizontal/vertical restraint)
Longitudinal
245.3
kN
Transverse
343.4
kN
Vertical
490.5
kN
Total Lashing Required
47 lashings624.3 kN
Equipment: Wire Rope 20mm
Safety Factor: 4.33
Compliant with CSS Code
Friction reduces required lashing force by 57%
Lashing is the process of securing cargo to prevent movement during transportation by sea, road, or rail. It involves using various securing equipment like wire ropes, chains, webbing straps, and turnbuckles to restrain cargo against forces generated by vehicle or vessel motions.
For project cargo and heavy lift shipments, proper lashing is critical for safety and regulatory compliance. Incorrect lashing can lead to cargo damage, vessel instability, and serious accidents.
Longitudinal (Fore/Aft)
0.3-0.5g depending on ship type
Transverse (Athwartship)
0.5-0.8g - most critical
Vertical
0.6-1.0g - affects friction
- 1.5: Minimum per CSS Code
- 2.0: Standard practice (recommended)
- 2.5-3.0: Heavy weather conditions
- Always use SWL (Safe Working Load), not MBL
Steel on Steel (dry)
0.1-0.2
Lowest
Steel on Steel (oily)
0.05-0.1
Avoid
Steel on Wood
0.4-0.5
Good
Steel on Rubber
0.6-0.7
Excellent
Wood on Steel
0.3-0.4
Standard
Wood on Wood
0.3-0.5
Common
Concrete on Steel
0.4-0.5
Good
Rubber mat
0.6-0.8
Best
- •Use rubber mats to maximize friction benefit
- •Optimal lashing angle is 45° from horizontal
- •Always protect lashings from sharp edges with edge protectors
- •Re-tighten lashings 24 hours after initial tensioning
- •Document the lashing plan with photos and measurements
- ✗Using MBL instead of SWL for calculations
- ✗Ignoring the effect of lashing angle
- ✗Over-tensioning causing equipment damage
- ✗Not accounting for heavy weather routes
- ✗Lashing to structurally weak points on cargo