Chapter 9. Packing cargo into CTUs
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - CTU Code - IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units - Chapter 9. Packing cargo into CTUs

Chapter 9. Packing cargo into CTUs

 9.1 Planning of packing

9.1.1 Packers should ensure that:

  • The packing process is planned in advance as far as practical;
  • Incompatible cargoes are segregated;

  • Special handling instructions for certain cargoes are observed;

  • The maximum permitted payload is not exceeded;

  • Restrictions for concentrated loads are complied with;

  • Restrictions for eccentricity of the centre of gravity are complied with;

  • The cargo and securing materials complies with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measuresfootnote when applicable.

9.1.2 To carry out effective planning, packers should follow the provisions of annex 7, section 1.

 9.2 Packing and securing materials

9.2.1 Packers should ensure that securing materials are:

  • Strong enough for the intended purpose;
  • In good order and condition without tears, fractures or other damages;

  • Appropriate to the CTU and goods to be carried;

  • In compliance with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15footnote.

9.2.2 More information on packing and securing materials is provided in annex 7, section 2 and in the appendices to annex 7.

 9.3 Principles of packing

9.3.1 Packers should ensure that:

  • The load is properly distributed in the CTU;
  • Stowage and packing techniques are suitable to the nature of the cargo;

  • Operational safety hazards are taken into account.

9.3.2 In order to comply with the obligations in 9.3.1 packers should follow the provisions of annex 7, section 3 and the appendices to annex 7.

 9.4 Securing cargo in CTUs

9.4.1 The packers should ensure that:

  • Tightly arranged cargoes are so stowed in CTUs that boundaries of the CTU are not overstressed;
  • In the case of CTUs with weak or without boundaries sufficient securing forces are produced by the cargo securing arrangement;

  • Packages of greater size, mass or shape are individually secured to prevent sliding and, when necessary, tilting;

  • The efficiency of the cargo securing arrangement is properly evaluated.

9.4.2 In order to comply with the obligations in 9.4.1 the packer should follow the provisions of annex 7, section 4 and the appendices to annex 7.

9.4.3 Additional advice for the evaluation for certain cargo securing arrangements may be found in annex 7, appendix 4.

 9.5 Packing bulk materials

9.5.1 Packers should ensure that:

  • Applicable filling ratios for liquids are complied with;
  • Tank fittings and valves are compatible with the goods to be carried;

  • Specific requirements for foodstuffs are observed;

  • Procedures for the safe transport of liquids in flexitanks are observed;

  • CTUs are not overstressed by the carriage of solid bulk cargoes.

9.5.2 When working on the top of CTUs during the preparation, filling or emptying of CTUs packers should comply with the requirements of annex 8.

9.5.3 In order to comply with the obligations in 9.5.1 the packer should follow the provisions of annex 7, section 5.

9.6 Safety at work and security

Only activities authorized by the facility should be carried out in the vicinity where the CTU is packed.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.