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Flatracks and platform flats are primarily used for the containerisation of oversize, awkward and project cargoes that would otherwise be carried break bulk. These units are increasingly being used as temporary 'tweendecks' for the carriage of large, indivisible loads which are loaded separately on to a bed of flatracks or platforms spread on top of a ship's hatch cover.
Fixed-end flatracks are particularly suitable for balanced trades with cargo travelling in both directions. Other flatrack designs with folding end walls and platform flats, which have no ends, are ideal for non-balanced trades, as units can be interlocked and returned in a stack of empty units.
SeaDecks are the ultimate unit as they give maximum flexibility and utilization, as the end wall folds flush into the deck thus combining the benefits of both flatracks and platform flats.
The unique hinge mechanism used to convert a SeaDeck into a platform flat, together with the patented interlocking device, enables up to seven empty units to be stacked and handled as a single unit on any return journey - which is a considerable cost saving to shippers with only one-way trade.
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