Methods for reducing losses in ocean shipping of steel structures: packaging techniques and transportation control strategies

Shipping is the lifeline of international steel structure trade, but long-distance bumps and severe sea conditions always threaten the safety of components. Rust, deformation, coating shedding and even structural damage not only bring direct economic losses, but also seriously delay the project schedule. How to effectively control losses has become a core challenge for steel structure manufacturers and logistics companies. This article will focus on the key links in steel structure transportation, provide practical packaging skills and comprehensive loss control strategies, and help your goods arrive safely at ports around the world.
1. Accurate identification: Common types and causes of loss of marine steel structures

Rust and corrosion: Seawater salt spray erosion, humid condensation water ("container rain"), and damage to the protective layer are the main causes, especially for cutting edges and welds.

Physical deformation and damage: Collisions, bending, dents, and twists caused by rough loading and unloading, ship bumps, and cargo displacement are common.

Surface coating damage: Scratches, wear, adhesion of packaging materials, or improper disassembly damage anti-corrosion coatings (such as paint and galvanized layers).

Lost and wrong parts: Loose bundling causes small parts to scatter, and unclear marks cause sorting errors.

2. Core defense: scientific packaging and protection techniques (packaging techniques)

Fine pretreatment and cleaning:

Thorough cleaning: Ensure that the surface of the component is dry, free of oil, dust, and debris, especially welding spatter must be removed, which is the basis for effective protection.

Edge protection: Use special plastic/rubber corner protectors (Edge Protector) to wrap sharp edges and cut surfaces to prevent cutting of packaging materials or adjacent components, and also avoid injuries to porters.

Targeted anti-rust protection:

High-efficiency anti-rust agent: According to the shipping cycle and environment, select volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI), anti-rust oil or anti-rust wax. VCI anti-rust paper/film can actively release corrosion-inhibiting molecules to form a vapor phase protective layer, which is particularly suitable for complex shapes or inside cavities.

Key area reinforcement: Focus on coating corrosion-prone areas such as welds, bolt holes, and machined surfaces.

Desiccant is essential: Place sufficient amount of strong desiccant (such as container-specific drying strips) in the packaging unit (such as bundled bags, frame boxes) to absorb the moisture that penetrates and prevent "container rain".
Stable bundling and buffering:

Scientific bundling plan: Design the position, quantity and tension of steel belts/binding belts according to the shape, weight and center of gravity of the components. Use professional tools to ensure that the tension is uniform and meet the standards, and install bundling protectors (clip-on/curled) to prevent the steel belt from cutting into the components or loosening. Example: H-shaped steel needs to be cross-bundled at the flange and web, and long pipes need to be evenly bundled at multiple points.

Buffer isolation layer: Use buffer materials between components and between components and packaging materials:

Anti-slip grass mats/hemp mats: Traditional and effective, providing friction and a certain buffer, and need to be ensured to be dry.

High-density foam/air cushion film: Lightweight, excellent buffering performance, suitable for precision parts or components with high surface requirements.

Corrugated cardboard/fiberboard: Low cost, used for separation, gap filling and protective coating.

Eliminate direct contact between metals: Use wooden pads (fumigated), plastic or rubber gaskets to isolate different metal components to prevent electrochemical corrosion.

Strong outer packaging and unitization:

Waterproof and sealed packaging: For small precision parts or vulnerable parts, first seal them with VCI anti-rust bags, then put them into strong cartons or wooden boxes, and fill the boxes with buffers.

Frame boxes/wooden pallets: Large irregular components use customized frame boxes (wooden or steel-wood hybrid), which are firmly fixed inside. Standard parts use fumigated wooden pallets that meet ISPM 15 standards for easy mechanical loading and unloading.

Waterproof coating: For large bare component assemblies (bundling packages), use high-strength, UV-resistant waterproof plastic sheets (such as PE/PVC tarpaulins) to cover and bundle them tightly, and the edges are reliably fixed to form a waterproof barrier.

Clear markings and documents:

Durable and clear marks: Contains project number, component number, size, weight, center of gravity (overweight), lifting point, moisture-proof and anti-collision markings, etc., and uses waterproof ink spray or affixed firm labels.

Complete accompanying documents: Packing list, special operating instructions (such as lifting requirements), MSDS (chemical safety data sheet, for rust inhibitors), etc.

3. Full escort: loss control in sea transportation and loading and unloading links

Container selection and processing:

Preferred dry cargo box: Ensure that the box is watertight, without damage or rust.

Reasonable loading: Professional lashing company operation, using tools such as container inner wall fixing rings, lashing belts, wooden squares, etc., to firmly connect the cargo unit (pallet, frame box) and the container to prevent movement in any direction.

Ventilation considerations: Decide whether to open the vents based on the characteristics of the cargo (whether it is volatile) and the route climate.

Fine loading and unloading operations:

Professional equipment and personnel: Use appropriate lifting equipment (such as special lifting beams and lifting straps), and it is strictly forbidden to directly hang components with wire ropes. Operators need to be trained to understand the characteristics of steel structures.

Clear lifting points: Strictly operate according to the lifting points on the drawings or packaging labels to avoid structural deformation.

Smooth operation: Lift and put gently to avoid sudden stops, sudden turns, and collisions.

Transportation monitoring and insurance:

Key node inspection: Take photos or videos before loading (packaging status), after loading/loading (fixed status), and before unloading (outer packaging status).

Purchase sufficient insurance: Cover all risks (All Risks), and clearly include the risks of rust and collision during sea transportation.

IV. Cost and benefit: input-output ratio analysis

Initial investment: High-quality packaging materials (VCI products, cushioning materials, professional strapping/protective gear), professional packaging labor/equipment, possible customized frame box costs, desiccant, insurance costs.

Potential losses: renovation/replacement costs, project delay penalties, customer claims, loss of goodwill, additional logistics costs (return, emergency air transport).

Benefits: significantly reduce the loss rate (quantifiable statistics), ensure on-time project delivery, improve customer satisfaction and trust, reduce after-sales disputes and costs, and enhance market competitiveness.

Conclusion: System protection, guarantee global delivery

The loss control of marine steel structures is not a single link optimization, but a set of systematic engineering covering scientific packaging techniques, refined operation procedures and strict loss control management. From pre-treatment of components before leaving the factory, precise protective packaging, to firm positioning in containers, and standardized loading and unloading throughout the process, every step is crucial. Investing in professional and compliant protection solutions, although increasing the initial cost, can help companies avoid greater potential risks and losses, ensure that steel structures cross the ocean in perfect condition, and be delivered to global customers on time, and consolidate corporate reputation and market competitiveness.

Take action now:
Are you troubled by the loss of marine steel structures? Contact our logistics experts to obtain customized packaging and transportation solutions, so that your steel structure goods can arrive safely and worry-free in every corner of the world!