How enhanced digital tools mitigate parametric rolling and container loss in International Shipping News 12/02/2026 In recent years, the loss of containers has emerged as a critical safety concern, particularly in relation to large container vessels operating in adverse sea states. One of the key contributing phenomena identified is parametric rolling, a complex and potentially severe form of ship motion that can develop rapidly and with limited warning. Parametric rolling typically occurs when a vessel encounters head or following seas with wave encounter periods close to half the ship’s natural roll period. Under these conditions, periodic changes in the vessel’s stability can lead to a sudden and excessive increase in roll angles. For modern container ships with wide beams and high cargo exposure on deck, such roll motions can generate extreme accelerations and loads on lashing systems. When design limits are exceeded, containers may shift, collapse, or be lost overboard, posing risks to the vessel, its crew, other ships, and the environment. From a classification perspective, structural strength and lashing arrangements are designed and approved in accordance with established rules and international regulations. However, even well-designed systems can be overstressed if operational conditions lead to unexpected dynamic loads. Experience has shown that procedural guidance alone is not always sufficient to mitigate the risk of parametric rolling, especially when crews are faced with rapidly changing weather and sea conditions. In response to this challenge, ABS is actively enhancing an advanced software tool, PROLL, aimed at predicting the onset of parametric roll in real time. Christoph Rasewski By combining vessel-specific data, such as hull form, loading condition, and stability characteristics, with wave and motion information, the software can identify conditions under which parametric rolling is likely to occur. This enables timely and clear decision support for the crew from recommendations for speed and course adjustments. The introduction of such predictive technology can improve operational safety significantly. By providing early warning and practical guidance, crews are empowered to take preventive action before critical roll motions develop. As a result, the likelihood of container loss overboard can be substantially reduced, enhancing the safety of the vessel and protecting the marine environment. As a classification society, our mission is to promote the safety of life, property, and the marine environment by developing and maintaining robust technical standards for the shipping industry. Through continued research, collaboration with shipowners, and the integration of digital solutions, ABS remains committed to addressing industry concerns and supporting safe and more resilient maritime operations. Source: By Christoph Rasewsky, Global Container Sector Lead, ABS Europe Tops 2026-02-12 hellenicshippingnews... window.___gcfg = {lang: 'en-US'}; (function(w, d, s) { function go(){ var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], load = function(url, id) { if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = d.createElement(s); js.src = url; js.id = id; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }; load('//connect.facebook.net/en/all.js#xfbml=1', 'fbjssdk'); load('https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js', 'gplus1js'); load('//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js', 'tweetjs'); } if (w.addEventListener) { w.addEventListener("load", go, false); } else if