# Marine Freight Load Securement Standards

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> Once a cargo vessel puts to sea, rolling, pitching, and heaving exert constant forces on the cargo—unsecured goods shift, topple, or damage adjacent consignments.

Once a cargo vessel puts to sea, rolling, pitching, and heaving exert constant forces on the cargo—unsecured goods shift, topple, or damage adjacent consignments. Marine freight load securement standards define internationally recognized requirements for stowing and securing cargo onboard: permissible lashing forces, specifications for lashing gear and dunnage, positioning of lashing points, and weight distribution across deck and hatch areas. The primary reference is the IMO's CSS Code (Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing), supplemented by classification society guidelines. Freight forwarders, shippers, and shipowners share compliance responsibility: insurers may deny coverage for damage caused by inadequate securing, and port state control inspections can detain a vessel if deficiencies are found. Not to be confused with the IMDG Code, which governs dangerous goods transport separately.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/CargoStowageAndSecuring.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/CargoStowageAndSecuring.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Marine Freight Load Securement Standards |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 127 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/CargoStowageAndSecuring.aspx |

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