MacGregor has recorded a strongly positive demand trend for its cargo securing innovations in 2026, driven by rapid market uptake of its ACV-1 Hippo fully automatic twistlock (FAT) and its patented Balanced Lashing System.

Adoption of MacGregor's advanced lashing technologies has accelerated quickly across both newbuildings and vessel retrofits, reflected in strong order volumes:

• Hippo fully automatic twistlocks: more than 1 million units sold
• Balanced Lashing Systems: sold to more than 110 ships

With container lines placing increasing emphasis on operational efficiency, turnaround speed and cargo capacity optimisation, MacGregor foresees substantial and growing demand ahead across global container shipping segments. The focus falls squarely on equipment with direct leverage over port productivity: a substantial share of a container vessel's slots sit on deck, where boxes are held by twistlocks and lashings rather than the cell guides used inside the hold.

The strong market reception reflects the combined system's ability to maximise vessel deck payload while raising operational safety and speed. Forged from high-tensile steel, the maintenance-free Hippo twistlock features a 12mm vertical clearance that eliminates payload loss, along with a drop-lock mechanism that prevents fall-offs during handling. Unlike conventional semi-automatic twistlocks, which still require manual unlocking by dockworkers during cargo operations, fully automatic units remove that handling step, cutting the time lashing crews spend working among container stacks on deck — a long-standing safety concern in port operations. When paired with the class-approved Balanced Lashing System, which distributes peak stresses evenly between upper and lower lashings, vessels can safely increase approved stack weights by up to 10% without requiring structural hull modifications.

"I'm very happy to see our Hippo fully automatic twistlocks and Balanced Lashing System so warmly welcomed by the maritime industry," says Magnus Sjöberg, Executive Vice President, Merchant Solutions Division, MacGregor. "By pairing robust mechanical engineering with load-sharing innovation, we are helping our customers safely unlock additional container capacity, shorten port stays, and achieve significant operational savings."

MacGregor says it continues to lead the market in integrated container stowage solutions, offering a comprehensive cargo ecosystem that includes hatch covers, loose and fixed fittings, lashing bridges and lashing optimisation software, backed by global lifecycle support. Designed for seamless integration on both newbuilds and existing fleets, the company's securing systems enable shipowners to maximise earning potential while maintaining uncompromising safety standards, according to the company.

Source: MacGregor (via Hellenic Shipping News, Port News, 28 August 2026)