IMDG Code Compliance Centre

Safety at Sea

Segregation Tool for Container ships

IMDG Code Compliance Centre · Chapter 7.4

Segregation of Containers on Board Containerships

Interactive lookup for the segregation of cargo transport units on board containerships with closed cargo holds and hatchless containerships.

IMDG Code 42-24, Chapter 7.4

iBefore you use this table

  • Chapter 7.4 has two segregation tables depending on vessel type: 7.4.3.2 for containerships with closed cargo holds, and 7.4.3.3 for hatchless containerships (7.4.3.1.2).
  • Choose the vessel type in Step 1 — the result and full reference table below will switch accordingly.
  • A container space means a distance of not less than 6 m fore and aft, or not less than 2.4 m athwartships (7.4.3.1.1) — this applies to both tables.
  • This tool converts the segregation term required between two dangerous goods (per Chapter 7.2 / Column 16b of the Dangerous Goods List) into the physical container placement rule.

1Vessel type

2Segregation requirement

3Orientation

Orientation
CTU pairing
Result
Make a selection above

4Illustration (MSC.1/Circ.1440)

Complete your selection in Steps 1–2 to see the illustration.

Diagram for training/familiarization only, drawn per the method in MSC.1/Circ.1440. Only the Table 7.4.3.2 text is legally binding.

5Full reference table

Choose a vessel type in Step 1 to display the corresponding table.

Prohibited Your selection (exact match) Narrows to this group — choose direction/deck above to pinpoint

6Definitions & notes (7.4.3.1)

Container space

Not less than 6 m fore and aft, or not less than 2.4 m athwartships (7.4.3.1.1).

Applies to

Table 7.4.3.2 (Step 1 above): containerships with closed cargo holds. Table 7.4.3.3: hatchless containerships — no “unless segregated by a deck” exception on vertical rules, and several horizontal cells add “not in or above same hold” (7.4.3.1.2).

Footnote *

Containers not less than 6 m from an intervening bulkhead (applies to Row .4, closed vs closed, under deck).

General note

All bulkheads and decks referred to in the table shall be resistant to fire and liquids.

Illustrations

Step 3’s diagrams follow the method in MSC.1/Circ.1440 — Illustrations of Segregation of Cargo Transport Units on Board Containerships and Ro-Ro Ships (IMDG Code Supplement): a “reference container” (amber) holds the dangerous goods; lines are projected from its corners to mark the excluded zone (teal shading) where incompatible cargo may not be stowed. Closed CTUs are drawn as solid boxes; open CTUs (flatracks) as an open silhouette with corner posts. Only the Code tables are legally binding; they take precedence over the illustrations in case of any discrepancy.
This tool does not replace the official Code text.

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