Chant Engineering announced that business partner DLM has introduced a new product for the International Shipping Industry: the Twistlock Load Cell and Container Load Monitoring System.
To increase the safety of cargo ships at sea, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed new guidelines regarding the weighing of containers prior to departing from port. On July 1, 2016 the guidelines, along with an amendment to SOLAS regulation VI, will be introduced and will require the recording and documentation of the Verified Gross Mass of packed shipping containers.
The new monitoring system is designed and manufactured in the U.K. by the ISO:9001:2008 Certified, Dynamic Load Monitoring (U.K.) Ltd. DLM’s team of expert engineers has over 25 years of experience specializing in the production of high quality load cells and load monitoring systems.
The Twistlock Load Cell and Container Monitoring System is designed to be retrofitted into existing spreaders used to lift containers on straddle carriers, ship to shore cranes, reach stackers, etc. The new system, which meets the specific ISO requirements, consists of a series of Twistlock Load Cells, with a 6:1 safety factor, and an operator monitoring screen for the cab.
According to DLM’s Technical Manager Chris Scrutton, “The distinct advantage of making the Twistlock itself into a Load Cell is that it offers an area of even load distribution (360° around the twist-lock) and as it is located on the extremities of the container, where it is best positioned to enable center of gravity calculations and accurate weight determination, which can clearly be seen on the operator monitoring screen.”
The Twistlock System fits precisely into existing machinery, and can easily be incorporated into current maintenance schedules, allowing for operators who are familiar with their equipment to utilize the system without having to undergo retraining on new procedures or practices.
Chant Engineering said it has already received numerous inquiries and have begun the process of quoting customers. According to Chant’s V.P. of Sales, Patrick Shire, “We are very enthusiastic about being the stocking North American Distributor for DLM’s Twistlock Load Cell and Container Load Monitoring System.”
As the exclusive North American Distributor for DLM, Chant Engineering will provide the Twistlock System, installation, technical support, software and calibration.