The recent capsizing of the container ship Elsa-3 has raised serious questions about loading practices at international ports According to Captain Naveen Singhal a seasoned Singapore-based Marine and Management Consultant the vessel likely overturned due to improper container loading and cargo weight imbalance

Captain Singhal explained that while modern port gantries and cranes are technically capable of weighing containers as they are loaded onto ships the extremely fast pace of operations at most major ports often leads to inaccuracies or oversight in proper weight verification This potentially leads to unstable stacking and imbalance in weight distribution contributing to the risk of capsizing especially in medium to high-sea conditions

Cranes Can Weigh But Speed Trumps Safety

Captain Singhal highlighted that many terminals are equipped with onboard weighing systems in gantries which can assess the weight of containers in real time However the focus on port productivity and meeting tight schedules often overrides caution resulting in inconsistent monitoring of load limits

The result is that vessels like Elsa-3 may leave the port with asymmetrically stacked cargo which causes stress on the hull and compromises stability during voyage

The Incident

While full investigation reports are awaited early footage and technical observations indicate that the Elsa-3 experienced a rapid tilt before capsizing The likely cause is that the centre of gravity was thrown off balance by either undisclosed overweight containers or poor load planning that concentrated too much weight on one side of the vessel

Initial reports suggest that high-seas weather played a role in worsening the tilt but would not have led to capsizing had the cargo been loaded according to proper guidelines

Need for Tighter Global Oversight

Captain Singhal called for tighter enforcement of global cargo standards including

• Mandating Verified Gross Mass (VGM) certification for each container

• Requiring independent audits of cargo weight declaration

• Increasing training for port staff and stevedores in load planning

• Encouraging the use of digital load distribution simulations before vessel departure

He also urged port authorities and shipping lines to treat the Elsa-3 incident as a wake-up call for reviewing their operational safety SOPs

Wider Implications for the Maritime Industry

The incident not only endangered crew and cargo but also disrupted port operations in the area causing delays to other vessels and supply chain interruptions

Captain Singhal stressed that such mishaps can damage a shipping company’s reputation insurance rating and operational credibility Recovery from such accidents is both financially draining and logistically complex

Moreover maritime insurance premiums could increase if the industry does not adopt stricter preventive measures following the Elsa-3 accident

About Captain Naveen Singhal

Captain Naveen Singhal is a veteran mariner and marine risk advisor based in Singapore He has worked across global shipping hubs and is a recognised voice in maritime safety standards management and port operation efficiency He frequently advises ports shipowners and cargo operators on risk mitigation strategies and operational compliance

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