How Can You Secure Containers Without Permanent Twistlocks?
On ship decks, transport platforms and steel structures, permanently installed twistlocks can restrict how the available space is used. When the container is removed, the twistlocks continue to protrude from the surface and may obstruct equipment, cargo and everyday operations.
But how can you create a secure container fixing point without permanent twistlocks getting in the way when the deck is needed for other tasks?
The challenge of permanent twistlocks
Fixed twistlocks provide a robust solution when containers are always placed in the same positions. However, they can create practical challenges when the use of the deck changes regularly.
After the containers have been removed, protruding twistlocks may:
- Restrict the placement of other equipment and cargo
- Obstruct vehicles and work processes
- Make cleaning and maintenance of the deck more difficult
- Reduce flexibility when reorganising the working area
In these situations, a system that allows the individual securing components to be installed and removed as required can offer a more practical solution.
The Breech Base system provides greater flexibility
The Breech Base system is designed for applications requiring secure container fixing while allowing the deck to be used for other purposes.
The permanent foundation of the system is the Breech Base Deck Socket, which is welded directly into the steel surface. The socket remains in the deck, while the other components can be installed, replaced and removed from above.
When a container is to be placed on the deck, the Breech Base Twistlock is inserted into the socket. The complete twistlock is then rotated until it reaches the correct position and is secured in the Deck Socket.
Once the container has been positioned over the twistlock, the operating lever is used to rotate the locking mechanism by 45 degrees, securing the container corner.
This creates a stable container fixing point without requiring the twistlock to remain permanently installed.
From container securing to a cargo lashing point
The Breech Base Deck Socket can be used for more than securing containers.
If the deck is needed for other equipment or cargo, the twistlock can be replaced with a Breech Base D-ring. The D-ring creates a strong and flexible lashing point that can be loaded from all four directions.
The same socket can therefore support different applications:
- A Breech Base Twistlock for securing containers
- A Breech Base D-ring for lashing equipment and other cargo
- A Breech Base Cover when the fixing point is not in use
This allows the deck to be adapted to changing operations without installing a new securing system for each task.
A clear deck when the system is not in use
When the twistlock or D-ring is no longer required, it can be removed from the socket. The Breech Base Deck Socket can then be closed with a Breech Base Cover.
This means that:
- The twistlock or D-ring can be removed
- The socket is protected with a cover
- No permanently protruding twistlock remains on the deck
- The area can once again be used for other operations
The solution is particularly useful in areas where space is limited and the function of the deck changes regularly.
When is the Breech Base system a suitable solution?
The Breech Base system may be suitable when:
- The container layout needs to be changed
- The deck is used both with and without containers
- Permanent twistlocks would obstruct other operations
- Both container securing and cargo lashing points are required
- Components must be installed and removed from above
- Space around the fixing point is limited
- The same area must accommodate different types of work
The system can be used on ship decks, pontoons, transport platforms and custom-designed steel structures.
One foundation for multiple applications
The key benefit of the Breech Base system is its flexibility. The welded Deck Socket acts as the permanent foundation, while the twistlock, D-ring and cover can be exchanged according to the current task.
The same fixing point can therefore be used for containers, equipment and cargo lashing—or closed when it is not required.
This provides a practical solution for working areas where secure fixing must be combined with the ability to quickly change how the deck is used.
Q&A
How is a Breech Base Twistlock installed?
The complete Breech Base Twistlock is inserted into the welded Breech Base Deck Socket and rotated until it reaches the correct position and is secured in the socket. Once the container has been positioned, the operating lever rotates the locking mechanism by 45 degrees to secure the container corner. Installation and use must always comply with the system’s technical specifications and the requirements of the specific application.
Can the Breech Base system be used for purposes other than securing containers?
Yes. The twistlock can be replaced with a Breech Base D-ring, creating a lashing point for equipment or other cargo. The D-ring can be loaded from all four directions.
What happens to the socket when it is not in use?
When the twistlock or D-ring is removed, the Deck Socket can be closed with a Breech Base Cover. This protects the socket and prevents a permanent twistlock from protruding above the deck surface.
