Stowage plan for container ships

[3][4][5][6] Modern stowage plans are executed by computer programs using mathematical calculations similar to those used for solving complicated Tetris problems.

[12] In the example image the position coordinates of the containers are: In order to stow the cargo on a vessel, planners have specific computer programs to aid them.

Container platforms can handle over height, width or length cargo, but require slings to load and unload.

Also out of gauge for most ships are containers between 45' and 53' long used in some countries for domestic rail and truck transport.

[14][18] Dry hide containers – Normal containers packed with cargo that may result in some leakage (such as liquid from fresh leather), they are usually stowed in outer road/first tier in order to make the necessary arrangements in case of leakage.

[22][23][24] Other factors included at stowing are:[18][25] Once a ship has arrived in port, other plans for handling, sorting and storage at the terminal go into operation.

[26] As stowage plans are transmitted electronically as data files between ships and terminals, they can be intercepted by modern pirates working with organized crime syndicates.

These attacks are called Major Criminal Hijacks (MCH) or South China Sea Piracy; pirates board the ship with good knowledge of its layout and where the most coveted cargo is stowed.