How Calc approaches container loading

Unlike compartment loading and fixed weight subsets, only a single container subset can be used in any one deadweight loading condition. The container subset could represent a complete ship capacity of containers or it could represent, for example, only the maximum that could be carried externally on the hatch covers as may be found on a multi-purpose vessel carrying dry bulk material in the hold. As such, a container subset must thus contain all the containers required by a particular operating condition. A full ship set of containers cannot be modelled as the combination of two subsets. However by adding duplicate branches to the Application tree it is possible to describe and subsequently evaluate more than one container loading condition.

It is important to note that Calc splits 'containerisation' into two distinct areas. The first area is the definition of notional container slots or positions that the design of the vessel provides for, including consideration of containers that are mounted on hatch covers and also for hatch-coverless designs. These slots or positions are thus all the possible locations within the vessel that may be used for the conveyance of containers. The second area is the definition of a complete vessel container layout, representing the subset, and the loading of weights into each container within the defined layout, thus allowing for both 'full' and 'empty' individual containers. Thus, a logical sequence of steps needs to be followed to define a container load subset.

Calc uses the normal convention of 'bays' for locating container loading positions within a hold, vertically extended to include the zone above hatch covers, if and where relevant. The locations of bays would themselves be established by the arrangements of container guides, thus forming the physical 'slots' for specific types of containers.

Note:
The Surface/Compartment program now provides an excellent facility for setting up containers and container bays, based on the vessel's geometry, and it is recommended that this is used instead of manually setting up container bays in Calc. The container data from Surface/Compartment is Released to Calc together with the compartment geometry in the normal way.