4.1 Stowage factors
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 2011 TDC Code – Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 – Resolution A.1048(27) - Part A – Operational Requirements - Chapter 4 – Physical Properties of Timber Cargoes - 4.1 Stowage factors

4.1 Stowage factors

  4.1.1 Typical values for density and stowage factors are given in the table below for different types of timber deck cargoes.

Table 4.1 Typical Values for density and stowage factors

Type of timber cargo Density Volume factor Stowage factor
[ton / m3] [m3 hold space [m3 hold space
    / /
m3 cargo] ton of cargo]
Sawn wood
Packages of sawn wood with even ends 		0.5 – 0.8 1.4 -1.7 1.8 – 3.4
Packages of sawn wood with uneven ends 0.5 – 0.8 1.6 – 1.9 2.0 - 3.8
Packages of planed wood with even ends 0.5 1.2 – 1.4 2.4 - 2.8
Round wood
Coniferous round wood, fresh (bark on) 		0.9 – 1.1 1.5 - 2.0 1.4 - 2.2
Broad-leaf round wood, fresh (bark on) 0.9 – 1.5 2.0 - 2.5 1.3 - 2.8
Round wood, dried (bark on) 0.65 1.5 - 2.0 2.3 - 3.1
Debarked coniferous round wood, fresh 0.85 – 1.2 1.5 – 2.0 1.2 – 2.4
Debarked broad-leaf round wood, fresh 0.9 – 1.0 1.5 – 2.5 1.5 – 2.8
Debarked round wood, dried 0.6 – 0.75 1.2 – 2.0 1.6 – 3.3

  4.1.2 The densities and stowage factors in the table above are presented for information purpose only to aid preplanning operations. The corresponding values for actual loads may vary significantly from those presented in the table depending on the timber type and condition. During actual loading more accurate values of the cargo weight are obtained by repeated checks of the vessel's displacement. The weights of sawn wooden packages are normally more accurate.

  4.1.3 The weight of uncovered timber cargo may change during a voyage due to loss or absorption of water (but wrapped bundled cargoes do not). Timber cargo stowed under deck may lose weight whereas timber stowed on deck may gain weight by absorption of water, see special instruction in Annex C. Particular attention should be given to the impact that these and other changing conditions have on stability throughout a voyage.

Parent topic: Chapter 4 – Physical Properties of Timber Cargoes
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