Certified Remote Inspections
Remote Flatrack Lashing Inspections
Certified flatrack lashing inspections, completed fully remotely. Upload photos or video — our inspectors verify CTU, ISO and IMDG compliance within 1 hour
the Importance of Flatrack Lashing Inspections
Unlike standard containers, flatracks have no side walls or roof. This means the cargo is fully exposed and must be secured correctly to prevent movement while accounting for the physical characteristics of the cargo to maintain stability.
If cargo is not secured properly, it can shift during the voyage due to vessel motion, especially in poor weather conditions. This can lead to damage, delays, safety risks, or even total cargo loss.
In severe cases, improper securing can create dangerous situations for crew and port personnel. For this reason, a proper lashing inspection is a critical part of safe transportation.
The remote difference
Why Proper Lashing Matters
Each cargo unit must be properly secured to prevent shifting or damage during transit. Standard securing methods are often insufficient, meaning every cargo requires a tailored lashing arrangement.
Secure loading and positioning of cargo onto flat racks are essential for safety and compliance with shipping standards.
A lashing inspection helps reduce these risks before the cargo leaves the terminal. Services can also be tailored to meet the specific operational requirements of each client.
1h
100%
1 free
The remote difference
Four Key Factors in a Lashing Inspection
The goal of a lashing arrangement is to ensure that the securing force exceeds the forces acting on the cargo. This means the lashings must be strong enough to hold the cargo securely under all expected transport conditions.
As a rule of thumb, the number of lashings required can be estimated based on cargo weight, ensuring practical and effective securing. The total maximum securing load (MSL) of the securing devices on each side of the cargo unit should generally equal the cargo weight.
However, proper cargo securing is not simply about using stronger materials. Several factors influence how much securing force a lashing system can actually provide.
Proper preparation of a flat rack container forms the foundation of safe and compliant cargo transportation. Before loading begins, the flat rack itself must be thoroughly inspected for damage or defects.
This includes checking lashing eyes, rails, and flooring for wear, corrosion, or structural issues that could compromise securing during transit.
Another critical step is verifying the container’s maximum payload and weight distribution capacity. Overloading or uneven distribution increases the risk of instability and cargo damage during transport.
The CSC plate data should be reviewed to confirm that the planned cargo weight remains within the permitted payload and that the load is distributed evenly across the flatrack.
The availability and condition of lashing materials and dunnage are equally important. Chains, straps, wooden blocks, and rubber dunnage should all be inspected to ensure they are suitable and free from defects.
The type and condition of lashing materials are critical inspection points. This includes chains, web lashings, wires, and turnbuckles.
Lashing materials should never be mixed, as different elasticity characteristics can reduce the effectiveness of the securing arrangement.
All securing materials must be inspected for wear or damage, while proper blocking, bracing, and edge protection are essential elements of a compliant setup.
The number and positioning of lashings must also ensure that the cargo is restrained safely in every direction.
Why remote Flatrack Lashing Inspections
Compliance without the inspector on site
Digital inspections deliver results within 1 hour, accelerating cargo readiness.
Dangerous goods
Weight and Centre of Gravity
Correct identification and positioning of the center of gravity are equally important. Placing heavier sections centrally improves stability and supports even weight distribution.
If the center of gravity is too high, the cargo becomes less stable and more prone to tipping during vessel motion.
Differentiating Flatrack Lashing from other inspections
Differentiating Flatrack Lashing from other inspections
Who it’s for
Nordwatch Remote Flatrack Inspections
Our flatrack securing inspections are conducted in accordance with industry regulations, recommendations, and client-specific requirements.
