Bulkhead

Back to Glossary

What is a Bulkhead?

A bulkhead is a partition or structural wall within a ship, vehicle, or container used to divide cargo space and secure loads during transit. It helps control movement inside the transport unit and supports stability, particularly when carrying heavy, bulk, or liquid cargo.

Bulkheads are used in ships to separate compartments and improve vessel stability, in trucks to prevent cargo from shifting and protect drivers, and in aircraft to maintain load balance and structural integrity. They primarily support the following:

  • Load restraint: Preventing cargo movement during acceleration, braking, or sea motion.

  • Space management: Separating goods for safer and more organised handling.

  • Safety and stability: Maintaining balance within the transport unit and reducing operational risk.
     

Types of Bulkheads

  • Fixed: Permanent partitions that provide stable compartmentalisation.

  • Removable: Adjustable structures that can be repositioned based on cargo configuration.

  • Collapsible: Foldable partitions used when flexible space allocation is required.