Ocean Network Express (ONE) and classification society ClassNK are studying the use of roll damping tanks on large container ships as part of efforts to improve vessel stability and operational safety.
The joint study is focused on technology designed to reduce the rolling motion of large boxships while they are at sea. Excessive rolling can affect crew safety, cargo stability and vessel operations, particularly when ships encounter rough sea conditions.
Roll damping tanks use the movement of liquid inside dedicated tanks to counteract a vessel’s rolling motion. The technology has been examined in marine applications as a potential way to improve motion control without relying solely on conventional stabilisation systems.
For large container ships, improved roll control could provide operational benefits by reducing vessel motion and supporting safer cargo operations. Container stacks can experience significant forces during heavy weather, making vessel stability an important consideration for carriers operating increasingly large ships.
ClassNK’s involvement brings expertise in ship safety, classification and technical assessment, while ONE contributes operational and vessel-management experience from its global container shipping network. The study could help evaluate the practicality of applying roll damping technology to large boxships.
The research comes as container shipping companies and maritime technology providers continue to explore solutions that can improve safety and efficiency on larger vessels. As ship sizes increase, managing vessel motions and maintaining safe cargo operations remain important technical challenges.
Further evaluation will be required to determine the performance, installation requirements and operational benefits of roll damping tanks on large container ships. The findings could contribute to future ship design and onboard technologies aimed at improving stability and safety.