HD Hyundai Delivers World's First Lashing-Free 13,000 TEU Containership

HD Hyundai delivered the world's first "lashing-free" containership, a 13,000 TEU vessel built for French shipping line CMA CGM, to which the hybrid Lashing-Free technology was partially applied. The system eliminates the need for workers to manually secure containers on board, a task traditionally carried out by lashing crews on large vessels.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries independently developed and validated all the key components of the technology, while HD Hyundai Samho was in charge of the detailed design and construction of the vessel. The ship, powered by methanol according to Maritime Executive, extends the cell guides that hold vertically stacked containers above deck level.

Since conventional large hatch covers would obstruct the extended cell guides, HD Hyundai developed a standardized portable bench, with the same dimensions as a 40-foot container, which is installed between the guides and can be handled using the same port cranes used to load and unload containers. In addition, the company created a Twistlock rooting system that securely fastens containers located outside the guide area to the vessel's structure.

Thanks to this system, the vessel can carry more than 10% additional deck cargo weight compared to similar conventional ships, and provides stable support for containers even in rough seas and strong winds, helping to prevent cargo loss and reducing the risk of marine pollution. Sea trials conducted by HD Hyundai in September also showed a significant reduction in vibration during operation compared to conventional designs with hatch covers and lashing bridges.

The technology was presented as a Korean solution to prevent container loss at sea at the 10th session of the IMO's Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers in 2024, and according to Maritime Executive the company has been developing the concept for several years. Hongryeul Ryu, senior executive vice president and chief technology officer of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, stated that they plan to expand the application of this technology to small and medium-sized vessels, while the company continues to develop a next-generation version with watertight features.