LR launches advanced stowage solutions to cut container losses and improve ship efficiency

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has rolled out a major upgrade to its suite of container stowage solutions, offering shipowners new tools to help reduce container loss, maximise utilisation, and boost operational performance while keeping cargo safe. 

The package combines enhanced BoxMax and Roll Design Assessment (RDA) notations with the latest versions of the existing LashRightUX and new RollRight digital platforms. The integrated suite aims to help operators load more efficiently and address the issue of container loss through excessive rolling (photo credit: Pim de Boer on Unsplash). 

According to the World Shipping Council, 576 containers were lost at sea in 2024 — more than double the previous year. While the number is small compared with the hundreds of millions of boxes moved annually, the financial, environmental and reputational risks remain significant.  

LR’s enhancements are designed to help operators tackle these risks through better modelling, faster calculations and ship-specific roll management. 

LR’s latest updates introduce more detailed motion modelling and new algorithms to calculate safe stack loads, enabling ships with BoxMax notation to carry increased cargo without compromising safety.  

The RDA notation and its companion RollRight system give crews real-time insight into rolling risks based on actual sea states, providing early warnings and corrective actions to help prevent incidents linked to synchronous and parametric rolling. 

LashRightUX introduces an upgraded user interface and enhanced visualisation tools designed to simplify stowage analysis and foster collaboration between shipbuilders, software developers and operators.  

At the same time, LR is leading the creation of the Lashing Exchange Format (LXF) Consortium, a cross-industry initiative to standardise the exchange of container securing data and streamline the classification and approval process. 

Nick Gross, LR's Global Containerships Segment Director, commented: “Optimum stowage remains one of the most important challenges in container shipping. These tools combine proven engineering with digital capability and operational reality to give vessel operators clearer insight, faster decision-making and better risk management.  

“With these enhancements, we’re equipping the industry with tools that improve safety and reliability, while helping operators run more efficiently and achieve maximum utilisation.”