Loading steel pipes aboard a bulk vessel is a delicate operation. Pipes are typically bundled and lowered into the cargo hold by ship-mounted or shore-mounted cranes. To ensure safe navigation, strict stowage is required: heavy pipes are placed at the bottom, with lighter items on top. Timber padding and lashing wire are used to secure the cargo to prevent shifting in wind and waves. Loading must be balanced to avoid uneven stress on the hull. The entire process requires close coordination between the crew and dock workers to ensure the integrity of the pipes and the stability of the vessel, a comprehensive test of both skill and experience.