SECURING ARRANGEMENT WITHIN CONTAINERS
- Plastic pellet packages inside the container should be secured adequately to ensure they do not move or shift during adverse sea conditions.
CARGO INFORMATION
- Shipping documentation must clearly identify containers carrying plastic pellets, in addition to the cargo details required under SOLAS Regulation VI/2.
- This includes providing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) for all containers to prevent weight misdeclaration and ensure accurate stowage planning.
STOWAGE PLANNING
- The shipper must provide complete cargo information, including any special stowage requirements.
- Containers carrying plastic pellets should be properly planned, stowed and secured to minimize risks to the marine environment without compromising the safety of the ship and those on board.
- Wherever reasonably practicable, these containers should be stowed under deck or alternatively, inboard within sheltered areas of exposed decks.
- Heavier containers must not be placed over lighter ones, stack height and weight limits must not be exceeded and the vessel’s overall stability should be carefully assessed for the entire voyage.
LABELLING AND DOCUMENTATION
- All shipping documents and booking systems should explicitly indicate that the containers contain plastic pellets.
- This ensures that appropriate stowage arrangements can be planned and
implemented effectively.
CARGO SECURING BEFORE DEPARTURE
- Containers must be secured in accordance with the approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM).
- Weather routing should be reviewed and evaluated to minimize exposure to extreme conditions.
CREW AWARENESS AND TRAINING
- Masters and navigating officers should be trained to recognize signs of parametric and synchronous rolling.
- They must also be prepared to adjust course and/or speed when necessary to maintain safety.
LOOKING AHEAD
The IMO continues to collect feedback on the application of MEPC.1/Circ.909 and is working towards developing mandatory global requirements under MARPOL Annex III and the IMDG Code. The objective is to ensure that all parties involved in the supply chain are aligned in taking effective steps to prevent plastic pellets loss and in protecting the marine environment.
MONITORING DURING VOYAGE
- Lashing arrangements should be inspected regularly and tightened as required throughout the voyage.
- The passage plan should be reviewed daily and adjusted in line with the latest weather reports.
MAINTENANCE OF SECURING EQUIPMENT
- Container sockets and lashing pad eyes should be maintained as part of the ship’s planned maintenance regime.
- When the thickness of container sockets and lashing pad eyes falls below the required limit, they must be replaced or clearly marked as “Not to be used.”
- Defective portable lashing equipment should be removed from the vessel or segregated to prevent accidental use.
OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS
- Carriers, terminals and shippers are encouraged to follow the IMO guidelines to minimize the likelihood of damage, mis-declaration or improper handling.
- Implementing the above measures and good seamanship practices will significantly reduce the likelihood of containers carrying plastic pellets going overboard and help mitigate associated environmental risks.
120 | ISSUE 115 | MAR 2026 | THE REPORT
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