Classification and Application of Lashing Gear for Container Vessels

Lashing gear for container vessels are used to secure containers, ensuring that they do not move or fall off during transportation. The classification and application of these lashing gear for container vessels directly impact the safety and efficiency of cargo transport.

Fixed Lashing Gear for Container Vessels

Fixed lashing gear for container vessels are permanent equipment directly installed on the ship's deck and internal structures. These devices do not require frequent disassembly and are commonly used in cases where cargo stability is paramount.

• Lashing Bridge: The lashing bridge is a fixed structure installed between container stacks, providing additional lashing points and reinforcing the stack height of the containers. Its primary function is to increase vertical stability in high-stacking situations.

• Bottom Fixing Devices: Bottom fixing devices are usually installed on corner posts of the ship's deck and hull bottom to lock the four corners of the container, ensuring that the container does not slip or tip over.

Movable Lashing Gear for Container Vessels

These lashing gear for container vessels can be adjusted or moved as needed, suitable for containers of different sizes and stacking methods.

• Twist Lock: The twist lock is the most commonly used container ship lashing device, available in manual and automatic types. It is used to lock stacked containers together by rotating the locking bolt to secure the four corners of the containers. Twist locks are easy to install and remove and are critical for ensuring vertical stability of the containers.

• Lashing Rod: Lashing rods are used to fix containers laterally and longitudinally by connecting the corner castings of containers and lashing bridges, providing additional stability. They are usually used in conjunction with turnbuckles.

• Turnbuckle: Turnbuckles work in conjunction with lashing rods, adjusting the length of the lashing rod by rotating the nut to adjust the tightness, thus ensuring the stability of the container.

Semi-Automatic and Automatic Lashing Gear for Container Vessels

With the increasing demand for container transport efficiency, semi-automatic and fully automatic lashing gear for container vessels have gradually been adopted.

• Semi-Automatic Twist Lock: This type of container ship lashing device can automatically open or lock during loading and unloading, reducing manual operation time. It is suitable for ports with frequent loading and unloading, improving operational efficiency.

• Fully Automatic Lashing Systems: Fully automatic systems use mechanized or intelligent devices to automatically complete the locking and unlocking of containers. They can effectively improve lashing efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance the safety of container transport.

Applications of Lashing Gear for Container Vessels

• In-Hold Loading: Typically uses fixed lashing devices to ensure stable stacking of containers within an enclosed space.

• Deck Loading: More commonly uses twist locks, lashing rods, and turnbuckles, which are adaptable to different stacking heights and ship motions.

• Automated Ports: Modern ports often adopt semi-automatic or fully automatic lashing systems to improve efficiency and reduce manual operations.