When merchandise is transported by sea, the way cargo is loaded and secured is not simply an operational detail. It can affect vessel stability, cargo integrity, crew safety, insurance exposure, contractual liability, and the legal responsibilities of carriers and shippers. That is why changes involving cargo stowage deserve careful attention. However, there is an important distinction to make at the outset: there is no single, universally recognized U.S. statute formally titled the “new merchandise stowage law.” Rules governing the loading, handling, stowage, securing, custody, and delivery of merchandise can arise from several sources, including maritime statutes, regulations, international conventions, cargo-securing requirements, and contractual terms. For example, U.S. maritime law currently…