The revised guidelines aim to protect personnel, reduce cargo damage and improve port efficiency.

Lloyd’s Register  has worked with Jurong Port in Singapore to revise its Best Practice Guidelines for Stowage and Securing of Steel & General Cargoes, placing personnel safety at the heart of cargo operations.

The updated guidance aims to ensure the safety of all personnel engaged in cargo handling activities, while also helping prevent cargo damage and improve the efficiency of discharge operations across ports and supply chains.

Despite advances in vessel design and cargo handling, poor stowage, inadequate securing arrangements and inconsistent cargo presentation continue to contribute to cargo damage, operational delays and safety incidents.

As supply chains become more complex and project cargoes and steel products continue to grow in size and value, ensuring cargo is prepared correctly before it reaches the port has become increasingly important.

The new guidance seeks to address these challenges by promoting a more consistent and practical approach to cargo preparation, stowage and securing. It provides practical recommendations for cargo owners, shippers, vessel operators, stevedores and terminal operators to reduce risk throughout the cargo handling process.

The revised guidelines were assessed against key international regulations, including the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), IMO MSC.1/Circ.1353 on Cargo Securing Manuals, relevant provisions of the ISM Code and recognised industry best practice for the transport and handling of general cargo.

LR’s review focused on the practical realities of transporting and discharging general cargoes, covering areas such as cargo accessibility, segregation, dunnage arrangements, bundling methods, lashing practices and the presentation of cargo for safe and efficient stevedoring operations.

The revised guidance also incorporates lessons learned from operational experience and common deficiencies observed in general cargo shipments.

Taylor Wamburg,  Regional Advisory Lead, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The industry continues to see avoidable cargo damage, safety risks and operational disruption resulting from poor stowage, inadequate securing arrangements and insufficient consideration of discharge requirements.

“Good guidance bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and the practical realities of cargo operations. By working with Jurong Port to update these guidelines, we are helping the industry adopt safer, more consistent practices that protect people, cargo and vessels while supporting more efficient port operations.”

Willie Liao, Senior Manager, Strategic Port Planning & Transformation, Jurong Port, said: “Good stowage, adequate securing and careful planning for discharge requirements are critical to safe and efficient cargo operations.

“By working with Lloyd’s Register to strengthen these guidelines, we aim to promote greater consistency in industry practices that reduce safety risks, cargo damage and operational disruptions, while improving the productivity and reliability of cargo handling.”