What Is Twist Lock in Container?

Container Twist Lock

In simple terms, Twist Lock is a mechanical locking device firmly fastened at the corners of a shipping container. These mechanical devices are used to secure containers on ships, semi-trailer trucks, and container trains. It also helps to lift containers by cranes and side-lifters. They are conical in shape and primarily serve the purpose of positioning and fastening containers during transportation in ships. It incorporates a rotating mechanism that secures itself into each corner casting of the containers, and are mostly used on the deck of a vessel.

These devices are strong, durable, and work efficiently in spite of long periods of exposure to extreme weather conditions that the containers undergo during long voyages and storage.

Types of Twist Locks:

* Standard Intermediate Twist Lock

* Semi-automatic Twist Lock

* Fully automatic Twist Lock

Conventional/Standard Intermediate Twist Lock with a handle are used to secure containers to the deck. Such Twist Locks are locked and unlocked with operating rods .

Semi-automatic Twist Locks are used between two containers to join and secure them in place.

Semi-automatic Twistlocks are locked automatically but can be unlocked only by manual intervention by operating the operating rods.

Fully-automatic Twist Locks are placed in the lower corners of the container at the pier. They lock automatically when the container is placed on the top, and unlocks by itself when the container is lifted.