A container vessel experiences six degrees of movement at sea: surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw. Combined with hull bending, twisting and relative movement between hatch covers and cell guides, containers face constant shifting forces. Only a complete, well‑maintained lashing system can resist these loads and keep containers safely stowed.

Lashing failures often lead to containers falling overboard, cargo losses, insurance claims and navigation hazards. Understanding proper use, inspection and maintenance of lashing equipment is essential for deck officers, crew and stevedores.

1. Overview of Container Securing System

Container securing equipment is divided into two categories:

Fixed Securing Devices (Ship‑Installed)

• Flush socket

• Raised socket

• Lashing plate / pad‑eye

• D‑ring

• Dovetail foundation

• Fixed stacking cone

• Mid‑bay guide

These are integrated into the hull, deck or hatch covers and provide permanent securing points.

Portable Securing Devices (Movable)

• Twist lock (manual / semi‑automatic / full‑automatic)

• Stacker

• Bridge fitting

• Tension / pressure elements

• Lashing rod

• Turnbuckle

• Wrench tools

These are used during loading and unloading to connect and stabilize containers.

2. Key Lashing Equipment & Usage

Turnbuckle + Lashing Rod

• Used to secure containers of different heights with one rod length.

• Equipped with sliding nut for quick adjustment.

• Standard system: 50‑ton breaking load, rod diameter 26 mm.

Twist Lock

• Mechanical locking device for container corner castings.

• Manual: lever‑operated for bottom layer to deck.

• Semi‑automatic: auto‑lock under weight; manual release via cable.

• Full‑automatic: auto‑lock and auto‑unlock without handling.

D‑Ring

• D‑shaped lashing point welded to deck.

• Used with chains, straps and lashing assemblies.

• Standard MBL: 4t, 20t, 36t, 50t, 67t.

• Supports in‑plane and out‑of‑plane loading.

Fixed Fitting Functions

• Flush / raised socket: locating base for twist locks or stacking cones.

• Lashing plate / pad‑eye: tie‑down point for turnbuckle (in‑plane only).

• Dovetail foundation: base for sliding twist lock.

• Fixed stacking cone: prevents horizontal movement of 20’ containers in 40’ cell guides.

• Mid‑bay guide: prevents transverse movement in cell guides.

3. Inspection & Maintenance Rules

To ensure lashing reliability:

• Conduct regular visual inspections of all components.

• Lubricate moving parts and threaded connections.

• Repair or replace damaged, deformed or corroded parts immediately.

• Segregate and discard unqualified fittings.

• Keep sufficient portable equipment onboard as per the Cargo Securing Manual.

• Do not load cargo if lashing devices are insufficient or defective.

4. Safety Principles

• Lashing areas must be safe for crew and stevedores.

• Follow the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual for arrangement and quantity.

• Use correct devices for each container type and stack height.

• Never overload lashing points beyond rated capacity.

• Repair defects before departure to avoid container loss at sea.

CIMC Equilink – Full Range of Lashing Equipment

CIMC Equilink provides high‑quality container securing parts for global shipping:

• Twist locks (manual, semi‑automatic, full‑automatic)

• Lashing rods & turnbuckles

• D‑rings (various MBL)

• Bridge fittings, stacking cones

• Lashing plates, sockets, foundations

• Complete container lashing systems

All products meet marine standards for strength, durability and safety.

Contact Us

For inquiries about lashing equipment, pricing or catalogs:

• Email: info.equilink@cimc.com

• Website: www.cimc-equilink.com

We provide professional one‑stop solutions for container securing and marine accessories.

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