Section 1 General

1.1.1 A container ship is defined as a ship designed exclusively for the carriage of containers in holds and on deck. Containers in holds are normally stowed within cellular guide systems.

1.1.2 The term ‘narrow side structures’ applies where the breadth of hatch opening exceeds 90 per cent of the breadth of the ship.

1.1.3 Other terms used to describe the various structural components of container ships are generally indicated in Lloyd’s Register’s (hereinafter referred to as ‘LR’) ShipRight FDA Procedure, Structural Detail Design Guide.

1.1.4 Scantlings and arrangements of container ships are to be as required by Pt 4, Ch 1 General Cargo Ships, except as otherwise indicated in this Chapter.

1.2.1  Figure 8.1.1 Structural configuration shows the typical structural configuration of a container ship covered by the requirements of this Chapter. The typical configuration includes:

1. An efficient torsion box girder or equivalent structure at the topsides comprising strength deck, side shell, inner skin and a second deck. The space within the torsion box is often utilised as an underdeck access passageway.

2. Single or double skin side construction with or without bilge box.

3. Double bottom.

4. Continuous or discontinuous hatch coamings.

5. Optional continuous deck girders to support hatch covers.

1.2.2 For container ships which do not conform to the above configuration, the application of this Chapter will be specially considered

1.3.1 In general, ships complying with the requirements of this Chapter will be eligible to be classed 100A1 Container Ship.

1.3.2 LR 'ShipRight Procedures' for the hull construction of ships are detailed in Pt 3, Ch 16 ShipRight Procedures for the Design, Construction and Lifetime Care of Ships and the associated notations and descriptive notes are given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Character symbols.

1.3.3 The ShipRight notations SDA (Structural Design Assessment) and subsequently CM (Construction Monitoring) are mandatory for container ships with a beam greater than 32,26 m or a length greater than 150 m or where the type, size and structural configuration demand, including container ships with narrow side structures, abnormal hull form or unusual structural configuration or complexity.

1.3.4 For large container ships, the effects of whipping and springing on the structural integrity are to be addressed. The ShipRight notations WDA (Whipping Design Assessment) and FDA SPR (Springing Fatigue Assessment) are mandatory for ships that meet the application criteria specified in Pt 4, Ch 8, 14.3 Procedures for verification of structural response due to whipping, springing and fatigue, see also Table 8.14.1 Summary of direct calculation analysis requirements for container ships.

1.3.5 The ShipRight notations SDA, FDA, FDA SPR, WDA may be applied on a voluntary basis. In which case all the requirements of the relevant procedures and supporting procedures are to be applied.

1.4.1 In addition to the information and plans required by Pt 3, Ch 1, 5 Information required, the following are to be submitted:

1. Details of overlap arrangement of steps in decks and longitudinal bulkheads.

2. Details of outline stowage arrangement of containers.

3. Details of design container stack weights.

4. Details of cell guides and supporting structure indicating the position of guides relative to hatch corners, and attachment to structural members.

5. Details of reinforcement to structure in way of container corners/supports.

6. Details of reinforcement to structure in way of lashing bridges where fitted.

7. Details showing the location of all openings in decks within the cargo holds.

8. Details of longitudinal girders supporting hatch coamings where fitted.

9. Detailed arrangements for crack arrest design, see Pt 4, Ch 8, 2.3 Requirements for use of thick steel plates.

1.5.1 The following symbols and definitions are applicable to this Chapter unless otherwise stated:

L, L _pp, B, D, T, V, C _b as defined in Pt 3, Ch 1, 6 Definitions