Container lashing test

A container lashing test verifies the strength and function of container securing components, twistlocks, lashing bars, turnbuckles, and stacking cones, against their rated minimum breaking load (MBL) and the safe working load assigned in the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual. Type-approval testing pulls samples to destruction to establish MBL, and the approved gear is then marked and listed; onboard, components are checked for wear, deformation, and cracking. The Cargo Securing Manual, approved by the classification society on behalf of the flag state under SOLAS VI/5 and VII, sets the permissible stack weights and lashing patterns. Twistlocks and bars that fail the marking or examination are removed from service.