Flyer TL-FA

CARGO SECURING SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE
Ship`s Equipment Centre Bremen GmbH

FULLY-AUTOMATIC TWISTLOCKS
SEC`s new developed Fully-Automatic Twistlock family
Technical alterations reserved
3
Recently, m any contracts for the construction of the latest
generation of ultra-large containerships w ere signed and a total
ships capacity of 13.000 TEU and above becom es reality. These
container giants require m any new technologies in order to boost
the productivity com pared to sm aller vessels, e.g. w hen
considering that containers are stow ed in stacks of up to 8 tiers
on deck.
Follow ing the OSHA- Rules and Regulations in the United States,
w hich w ere fully im plem ented in year 1999, longshorem an are
not allow ed to clim b on top of containers in US-Term inals, hence
all the operations of the container securing equipm ents to be
done from deck level or from safe w orking positions w ithout
exceptions.
Com m only used sem i-autom atic tw istlocks (SATs) are in line w ith
these OSHA-rules and regulations but there are disadvantages
w hich are described in the next pages.
The com pany SHIPS EQUIPMENT CENTRE BREMEN GMBH
(SEC)is an international supplier of CARGO SECURING SYSTEM S
and pays attention to this ongoing developm ent by providing a
new revolutionary Tw istlock for containers stow ed on deck.
The product-developm ent project w as launched early in 2002
and w ithin a couple of m onths, SEC already developed a
prototype of the Fully-Automatic Twistlock TL-FA w hich
fulfilled all basic requirem ents in term s of handling and function.
This prototype w as presented to guests at the SM M -exhibition in
Ham burg in Septem ber, 2002. After that, SEC concentrated on
the fine-tuning of the design and applied for its approval w ith
Germ anischer Lloyd.
Finally in April 2003, Germanischer Lloyd approved the
design, the operation features as well as the strength and
safety of TL-FA without any objections. As a result, the new
LOCK could prove its liability and proper function on board.
In autum n 2003, the first ship (700 TEU) received SECs TL-FA for
all deck containers and the operation w ent sm oothly w ithout any
problem s. M eanw hile, m any other shipow ners decided to change
to the TL-FA or to take it for the basic outfit for their latest
new buildings.
The feedback fromthe operation is very positive and the
Twistlock has a very good chance to become a new
international industry standard for safety and productivity in
container handling.
Beginning of 2006 several new spapers reported about severe
container accidents of ships equipped w ith Fully-Autom atic
Tw istlocks and P&I Clubs raised the question w hether there m ight
be a fundam ental problem w ith the locking principle of Fully-
Autom atic Tw istlocks. In none of these accidents Fully-Autom atic
Tw istlocks from SEC w ere involved. Nevertheless alarm ed by the
accum ulation of container accidents all m ajor classification
societies re-considered their approval of Fully-Autom atic
Tw istlocks. As a result it w as concluded that the Fully-Autom atic
Tw istlocks of SEC are absolutely safe and the approval certificates
w ere renew ed.
Handling procedure of SAT
4
Actual opening procedure of Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks in the term inal
before being able to unload containers.
Case
A
Case
B
20`containers stow ed w ith
76m m ISO-gap (block stow age)
20`containers stow ed
w ith lashing gap
M idlock
Sem i-Autom atic
Tw istlock
Sem i-Autom atic
Tw istlock
Description of Semi-Automatic Twistlocks
5
Now adays alm ost all m odern container ships are equipped w ith Sem i-Autom atic
Tw istlocks in line w ith OSHA-requirem ents. These Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks,
w hich w ere developed in the early nineties of the last century, are locking
autom atically w hen loading the container on board butstill have to be opened
manually by stevedores fromdeck level or fromsafe working positions
before the discharging operations can start.
W eaknesses of Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks (SAT):
- It is im possible to open the SAT from deck level if the containers are stow ed
in 5 tiers or m ore. Then, the SAT to be opened by stevedores from top in a safe
w orking position like m an basket or special spreader devices. This procedure
is very tim e consum ing especially under bad w eather conditions and during
night tim e.
- Quite often SAT w ith broken pulling w ires can be found caused by corrosion,
insufficient greasing / m aintenance or rough handling. As a result, the SAT
tends to get stucked during the operation w hich w ill delay the discharging
operations
- All SAT consist of m any different com ponents requiring perm anent
m aintenance and even exchange of pulling w ires. Such kind of repair is a
com plicated job because of the design itself w ith the loaded spring
m echanism inside.
- On container ships w here the 20-containers are stow ed w ith narrow ISO-gap
(76 m m ), the so called M idlocks have to be used in gap position because the
pulling w ire of SAT is not accessible in this location. Correspondingly, different
types of tw istlocks have to be used on board w hich lead to
difficulties for the stevedores at quayside to find out w hich type to be used
for w hich position.
additional requirem ent for spare parts and m aintenance on board
Function of SEC`s Fully-Automatic Twistlocks
6
During ships voyage/seagoing condition
The TL-FA/L is of special asym m etric design and its com bination of inclined surfaces holds the containers
safely in position during all expected operating conditions.
Fully-Automatic Twistlock in
seagoing conditions
Pressure force on one side of the container prevents
the Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock on opposite side to
slip out of the corner casting.
Operation principles of Fully-Automatic Twistlocks
7
During loading of deck containers
The Tw istlocks to be inserted in all 4 container corner castings at
quayside and the container is lifted onboard. Due to the special
shape of the Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks, the container is slightly
slew ing around its vertical axis w hen positioned to the low er
deck container on board. After the low ering of container is
com pleted, the tw istlock is self-locked.
During discharging of deck containers
W ithout any handling or operation of the Fully-Autom atic
Tw istlocks onboard, the container can be picked-up by crane or
bridge. The lifting procedure starts again w ith the slight slew of
container around its vertical axis and the container gets free
from the low er one autom atically.
All operations are perform ed by a universal Tw istlockwithout
any kind of m anual activity by stevedores onboard!
After insterting the Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock into the corner
castings the positon of the low er cone creates a rotation of the
container on its vertical axis during loading and unloading.
Low er Locking
Nose
Low er Locking
Nose
vertical axis of
rotation
Function of pin
8
W rong inserting ist
not possible because
the pin interferes
w ith corner casting.
Slider Pin
TL-FA/L inserted correctly
PIN (Patented)
All actual versions of our Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks have a pin w hich protrudes from the housing. Because
of the asym m etric shape of the inner part of the corner castings there is only one w ay how to insert the Fully-
Autom atic Tw istlock. W rong inserting of our Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks by stevedores is im possible.
Handling of TL-FA/L
9
Insert the TL-FA/L w ith pin first.
1
W hen inside the corner casting push
the TL-FA/L in vertical direction so
that the slider goes up.
2
Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock TL-FA/L
in final position for locking on
board.
3
Advantages of SEC`s Fully-Automatic Twistlocks
10
Accordingly for a container bay w ith 6 tiers 3 x 15 = 45m in have
to be spent to open Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks in upper tiers. Each
term inal crane is responsible for at least 2 bays so the tim e w hen
the term inal crane is blocked for opening tw istlocks needs to be
doubled 2 x 45m in = 1.5 hours. When using Fully-Automatic
Twistlocks no time is required for opening, so theoretically a
vessel using Fully-Automatic Twistlocks can reduce terminal
time by approx. 1.5 hours per harbour depending on the num-
ber of container moves. This tim e saving could be used to
approach next harbour w ith reduced speed and save fuel costs. Of
course w e are aw are that the term inal tim e is influenced also by
other factors.
Less stevedoring costs during each call!
M anual opening of Tw istlocks is no longer necessary consequent-
ly less stevedores are required per crane gang.
Far less maintenance costs!
Different from Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks the Fully-Autom atic
Tw istlocks of SEC are m ade of one piece solid housing w ith a m ini-
m um of m ovable parts. Theoretically these m oveable parts are
available as spare item s (one set costs less than 10% of the initial
costs of a Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock) and can be replaced easily in
just 2-3 m inutes tim e. But even though the TL-FA/L is in service
on m any ships since 2005 w e have never been requested to deli-
ver any spare com ponents. It could be said that the TL-FA/L
does not need any maintenance at all while common types of
Semi-Automatic Twistlocks with one or two wire systemor
with handle bar need to be maintained (greased) in average
once a year. Within a period of 2-3 years the pulling wire of
each Semi-Automatic Twistlock needs to be replaced because
it is broken or stuck. The costs for such a repair set are
approx. 45% of the initial costs of the Semi-Automatic
Twistlock and the repair work is quite difficult and will take
approx. 15 minutes per twistlock. The costs for m aintenance
and repair of tw istlocks are getting m ore and m ore im portant
because of increasing ship sizes, i. e. on the latest generation of
container vessel w ith 13000TEU there are over 20.000 tw istlocks
needed on board. The initial supply costs for one vessel are
almost identical no matter whether using Semi-Automatic or
Fully-Automatic Twistlocks systembut there are huge savings
in maintenance costs for each year in service when using
Fully-Automatic Twistlocks.
Discharging goes much faster!
Unloading containers can start im m ediately w hen the vessel is
next to the quay even before the gangw ay is installed. No m ore
w aiting tim e for stevedores opening the Sem i-Autom atic
Tw istlocks first.
Above 3rd tier it is not convenient to use long operating rods for
unlocking Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks, instead stevedores are
using 40m an baskets to open the pulling w ires of Sem i-
Autom atic Tw istlocks tier by tier from above. This opening process
takes approx. 15m in per tier w hile the crane is blocked.
Advantages of SEC`s Fully-Automatic Twistlocks
11
Besides of the unique principles as described on the pages
before, the Fully-Automatic Twistlocks of SECfulfill highest
requirem ents for operation, handling and m aintenance. The
advantages com pared to other system s are as follow s :
- In accordance w ith the OSHA- rules and requirem ents
- Single robust housing m ade of high tensile cast steel w ith
large surface acc. to GERM ANISCHER LLOYD for highest
pressure forces.
- Easy m aintenance! - The num ber of m ovable assem bly parts
is lim ited. The rem aining assem bly parts are protected by the
Tw istlock-body and do not protrude from the container
corner castings w hile stow ed. This avoids possible dam ages
during the loading/discharging of adjacent containers.
- W ell-know n and easy handling (insertion & rem ove) from
corner casting at quayside.
- No sensitive m echanism for definition TW ISTLOCK
open/closed, i.e. our Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks w ork w ell
independently from external influences like low
tem peratures, icy conditions, sw ell harbours, heel / trim , etc.
- Lashing bars can be inserted in the upper and low er
container corner.
- W hen using any type of our Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock
fam ily, the vertical m ovem ent betw een the containers is
lim ited to 12 m m according to ISO 3874. This lim itation
avoids possible overloads on lashings.
- SEC`s Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks w ork w ithout any problem s
during the TW IN-LIFT of 2 x 20-Container stow ed
longitudinally. This feature, in contradiction to the Tw istlock/
M idlock- com bination, ensures the sim ultaneous operation
of 2 x 20- Container in block stow age (w ith ISO- Gap) w ith
significant cost savings in term inals!
- Best in class Price-/ Efficiency-Ratio for basic outfits as w ell
as for the running supplies (Spare Parts). Due to the use of
Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks, any kind of m anual activity by
stevedores on board is elim inated!
Fully-Automatic Twistlocks Type TL-FA/L
12
Fully-Automatic Twistlock type TL-FA/L
- One piece housing m ade of high tensile cast steel
- A flange thickness of 15m m has been applied, so there is a
positive effect on the w eight, ships stability, length of lashing
rods and centre of gravity of container stack.
- It can still be seen from deck level w hether a TL-FA/L has been
inserted betw een upper tiers or not, because a gap of 15m m
rem ains betw een corner castings.
- The 15m m flange safely prevents the TL-FA/L from being
pressed into the corner casting during rough handling, for
exam ple w hen putting dow n the container on the pier w ith
high crane speed.
- In no case the TL-FA/L can be inserted by stevedores in the
w rong w ay w hich is prevented by the fixed pin, please
com pare to the next page
- Com petitive price because of m inim ized w eight and reduced
flange thickness
- No restrictions for the application of different lashing system s
- M aintenance of TL-FA/L is not required
- Suitable for lifting w ith tw in spreader
- Hot dip galvanised w ith stainless steel com ponents
Disadvantages:
- Vertical Tandem Lift is not possible w hen using Fully-
Autom atic Tw istlocks
The TL-FA/L is the actual standard version of our Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock fam ily and m ost of
our custom ers decide for this version.
TL-FA/L (Patented)
~ 5.7 kg
Function of pin
(Patented)
W rong insert is not possible
because the pin interferes w ith
corner casting.
Repair of TL-FA/L
13
How to rem ove spring an locking device
8 m m hexagon w rench
Pull out nut, locking device and spring.
Insert spring into locking device and keep
under pressure by sticking a screw driver
through the front hole of locking device.
Replace broken parts and re-assem ble in
opposite sequence.
1
2
3
4
Unscrew the srew M 10x80.
FULLY-AUTOMATIC TWISTLOCK TL-FA/LG
14
15
Fully-Automatic Twislock type TL-FA/LG
TL-FA/LG
~ 5.9 kg
Function of pin
(Patented)
corner casting.
The TL-FA/LG has an enlarged flange area w hich is flush w ith the front of the corner casting and w ith additional yellow colour m arking so
that it is easier to see if the Fully-Autom atic Tw istlocks have been inserted in all 4 corners. All other features are sam e as for standard type
TL-FA/L.
FULLY-AUTOMATIC TWISTLOCK TL-FA/G
16
17
Fully-Automatic Twistlock type TL-FA/G
TL-FA/G
~ 6.8 kg
Function of pin
(Patented)
corner casting.
The TL-FA/G has been designed specially for converting existing ships from Sem i-Autom atic to Fully-Autom atic system . The thickness of
flange has been increased to 30m m sam e as Sem i-Autom atic Tw istlocks. A Fully-Autom atic Tw istlock w ith just 15m m thickness of flange
has sm all influence on the lashing length w hich can easily be com pensated by the adjustable range of turnbuckles. Only in som e exceptio-
nal cases the available adjusting range is so critical that it is not possible to use tw istlocks w ith reduced thickness of flange therefore w e
have developed the TL-FA/G w ith 30m m thickness of flange so that there is no influence on the lashing length. All other features are sam e
as for standard type TL-FA/L.
18
Profile
Ship's Equipm ent Centre Brem en (SEC) is considered to be one of
today's w orldw ide leading m anufacturers of container lashing
equipm ent.
The basis of this leading position is the perfect com bination of in
house design and engineering facilities. This com bined w ith
unique know how of m anufacturing and services has m ade Ship's
Equipm ent Centre Brem en as a first class partner for yards and
ow ners.
An enthusiastic team of high skilled experts is operating out of the
m ain office located in Brem en, Germ any. A city w hich provides an
infrastructure w here the cargo securing technology has quite a
history.
As essential support tow ards an all around service is provided by
the international netw ork of agencies and logistics partners. SEC-
Brem en products are being distributed through w orld w ide stocks
kept at the m ain centres of international shipping activities. This
netw ork is essential to m ake sure that only exclusive SEC-Brem en
products are being supplied. W hether supplied out of New York,
Long Beach, Singapore, Shanghai or Europe, each fitting is an
original Ship's Equipm ent Centre item .
Having the vessels equipped by SEC-Brem en m eans a full range of
high quality gear according to International M aritim e
Organization (IM O) and latest classification rules.
SERVICE
Am ong a variety of m akers and traders in this segm ent, Ship's
Equipm ent Centre Brem en is superior w ith regard to the
engineering facilities w hich are w orld w ide leading and unique in
its kind.
W hether it regards the integral calculation of entire lashing bridge
designs for 7000 TEU giants by FEM -calculation m ethods or the
design of such constructions using latest 3-dim ensional CAD
system s, SEC-Brem en is being know n as front runner in this
business.
SEC-Brem en has set certain trends in order to fulfil system
integration dem ands w hich becam e essential for large container
ship projects.
The com plex interaction of the m ain com ponents such as hatch
covers, lashing bridges, deck supports and cargo requires an
integral approach w hich w as not know n this w ay before. This is
the m ost significant exam ple for Ship's Equipm ent Centre's
technical expertise and its reputation as system integrator for
such applications. W hen receiving an order for the delivery of
fixed fittings w e w ill alw ays prepare offset draw ings show ing the
arrangem ent of foundations, lashing plates etc. for all positions
on board. In these draw ings the foundations and lashing plates
are m easured in relation to each other but not in relation to the
hull structure.
Phone: +49 - (0)421 - 39 69 1-0
Fax: +49 - (0)421 - 38 53 19
e-mail: info@sec-bremen.de
online: www.sec-bremen.de
P.O. Box 101504
28015 Bremen
Germany
Visiting address:
Speicherhof 5
28217 Bremen

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CARGO SECURING SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE

Ship`s Equipment Centre Bremen GmbH

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