Page 13: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (April 2016)

SOLAS Convention lack the authority to impose conditions on shippers of cargoes

New SOLAS Compliant Container Weighing System in international commerce. This ignores the reality that a carrier that loads a con-

In response to the new SOLAS and the percentage of the overall tainer for carriage in international com- regulations due to enter force weight it is carrying. This allows for merce where a veri? ed gross mass of the on July 1, 2016, LCM Systems the detection of possible damage container has not been provided will be launched a new SOLAS compliant to twistlocks due to overloading or in violation of the SOLAS Convention. container weighing system. unequal weight distribution during

Since substantial compliance with appli-

The company has been supply- container engagement and lifting. cable conventions is a standard condition ing container weighing systems for Also displayed is the combined of marine insurance, a carrier that does about ? ve years. It designed what weight on all four twistlocks. There (Image: LCM Systems) not require documentation of the veri? ed it believes is a ? exible modular sys- is a tare function and the facility to gross mass runs the risk of loss of insur- tem that can be easily and quickly enter container numbers and gener- ance coverage.

retro? tted onto straddle carriers, ate reports. A calibration button on

As with any change, there will be a cer- container cranes and telehandlers. the main screen takes you to a new tain amount of confusion and misunder-

The new system veri? es the container weight in real-time display screen that enables on-site calibration for optimal standing initially. Soon though, provid- to an accuracy of 1% of rated load, although higher accura- accuracy. The tablet is rated to IP67 and drop tested to ing the veri? ed gross mass of containers cies can be achieved with on-site calibration and by using 1.2m, making it suitable for harsh port environments. will be the new normal.

the built-in linearization facility. The standard package is a The system can be tailored to meet the speci? c needs of complete stand-alone system that comprises of four load each individual port. In addition to the standard package measuring pins that replace existing load bearing pins on a system is available that can be fully integrated into the

The Author the spreader block, an interface module and a ruggedized port Terminal Operating System (TOS) that offers ? exibility 8-in. tablet. Pre-wired cable assemblies are supplied for in terms of data output and data provision. Other types of

Dennis L. Bryant is with Maritime Regu- system connection, which allows installation to be carried load cell systems are also available, including annular load latory Consulting, and a regular contribu- out by untrained personnel as no wiring is required. This cells that are placed around the twistlock assembly or ar- tor to Maritime Reporter & Engineering also reduces installation time and consequently equipment rangements that utilize the twistlock by turning it into a load

News as well as online at MaritimePro- downtime, as well as facilitates fast and simple replace- measurement device in its own right. Wireless options are fessional.com. ment of cables in the event of any becoming damaged. also available.

www.lcmsystems.com t: 1 352 692 5493 The ruggedized tablet displays the load on each twistlock e: [email protected]

IT’S DIFFERENT

Whether you are navigating the

Mississippi or operating in the Gulf,

Louisiana Cat is there with products and services to support you. Cat propulsion engines and generator sets are designed

OUT THERE...

to meet your high standards for power,

RELIABILITYÏANDÏEFlCIENCYÏTOÏDIFFERENTIATEÏ your business in the marketplace.

Louisiana Cat can meet your needs for the reliable heavy duty performance that will give you peace of mind. When you are out working on the water, Cat products and services make the difference. www.LouisianaCat.com/Marine © 2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of

Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

www.marinelink.com 13

MR #4 (10-17).indd 13 4/6/2016 4:56:37 PM