HD Hyundai Delivered First Lashing-Free Containership
The 13,000 teu vessel eliminates manual lashing, potentially reducing labor costs and boosting deck capacity for global fleet operators.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Transportation
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HD Hyundai Heavy Industries delivered the first lashing-free containership to CMA CGM, marking a shift in maritime cargo security. The vessel uses methanol dual-fuel propulsion and extended cell guides to replace traditional steel rod lashing systems.
Why it matters
By eliminating manual labor for securing containers, this design improves operational efficiency and increases deck cargo capacity by 10%. The innovation addresses long-standing safety and labor constraints associated with traditional container securing methods.
The new vessel features a 13,000 teu capacity and a 10% increase in deck cargo capacity compared to standard configurations. It utilizes 40 ft portable benches to secure containers, though the total impact on fleet-wide maintenance costs remains uncalculated.
The players
HD Hyundai
A major South Korean industrial conglomerate and global leader in shipbuilding, engineering, and heavy machinery.
CMA CGM
A French global shipping and logistics leader operating one of the world's largest container vessel fleets.
The details
The design replaces traditional manual steel rod lashing with extended cell guides built above deck. Terminal cranes install standardized 40 ft portable benches between these guides to lock containers into place. This automation eliminates the manual labor previously required for securing loads, while also reducing vessel vibration during transit.
Timeline
The technology was presented to the IMO in 2024.
Sea trials were completed in September 2026.
The vessel was delivered to CMA CGM on October 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
This development marks a departure from traditional cargo securing practices mandated under International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety standards. It reflects a broader industry trend toward automating shipboard operations to improve capacity and reduce safety risks.
Fleet operators should monitor the performance of this lashing-free design to determine if it reduces long-term labor costs and cargo damage risks. Expect pressure on terminal operators to adapt crane configurations to accommodate these standardized portable bench systems.
The takeaway
Automating container security represents a significant shift in managing deck cargo efficiency and labor safety. Operators should track whether this technology becomes a standard requirement for future new-build contracts to maintain competitive cargo capacity levels.
Further reading
For more on shipping developments, see Transportation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Splash247.
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