Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.30–1.80 m³/t (typical 1.50)45.9–63.6 ft³/t (typical 53.0) |
|---|---|
| Form | Drums |
| IMSBC group | n/a Not classified under the IMSBC Code (e.g. breakbulk or bagged goods). |
| Broken stowage | 25% |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Drummed cargo is goods shipped in steel or plastic drums – oils, chemicals, bitumen and the like. The cylindrical units carry considerable void space, giving an effective stowage factor around 1.50 m3/t, and it is usually a measurement cargo. Its care depends heavily on what the drums contain and on securing the round units.
Stowage & loading
Drums are loaded by sling, pallet or fork and stowed upright in tiers on dunnage, chocked and secured so the cylindrical units cannot roll or topple. The contents govern any additional precautions – dangerous-goods drums are stowed and segregated to their schedule – and damaged or leaking drums are set aside.
Hazards & handling
The hazards are physical and contents-driven: round drums prone to rolling, shifting and toppling if not secured; leakage from damaged drums fouling the stow and, with hazardous contents, posing fire, toxic or pollution risks; and significant void space to manage. Dangerous contents are carried to their rules.
Carriage & discharge
The stow is kept secure against rolling, monitored for leakage, and any dangerous-goods regime maintained. Discharge is by sling, pallet or fork with drums kept upright; leaking or damaged drums are segregated and noted, and any spillage cleaned and handled per the contents.
Key hazards
- Rolling, shifting and toppling of cylindrical units if unsecured
- Leakage fouling the stow, with fire, toxic or pollution risk for hazardous contents
- Significant void space to manage in stowage
Loading precautions
- Stow upright on dunnage, chocked and secured against rolling
- Set aside damaged or leaking drums and follow the contents' regime
- Segregate and stow dangerous-goods drums to their schedule
Stowage factors are indicative and vary with grade, origin, moisture and packing. Always verify against the shipper's cargo declaration and the applicable IMSBC Code schedule before fixing or loading. This is general information, not professional or safety advice.