This article was taken from the November 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Container ships are the pack mules of global trade, and journalist Rose George's new book, Ninety Percent of Everything, examines how the steel boxes full of solids, liquids and gases get where they're going. One huge challenge, George says, is simply loading and unloading these giant ships, a task that calls on physics, chemistry -- and knowledge of pirate tactics. Bryan Gardiner
Minimise the number of crane moves
Algorithms and computer systems help plan the most efficient and practical storage schemes. This means the ships can get in and out of port quickly.
Give Every box an ID number
These show the owner and category of the container, plus a serial number and check digit. Once they're loaded, a separate system locates each container.
Stack the heaviest boxes down low
A bit of common sense, as this prevents the stack from collapsing.
They're also distributed as evenly as possible to ensure the ship remains balanced.
Place flammable stuff near the centre
If a ship will be travelling through piracy-prone waters, exposed containers of combustible material could be ignited by pirates' rocket-propelled grenades.
Keep certain chemicals apart
Acetylene must be separated by at least one container space or bulkhead from chlorine; barium cyanide mustbe isolated from acids.
Always Guard your vessel
Containers are sealed after inspection, but thieves who have sneaked onboard can use simple tools to get around the seals and pop open the doors.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
