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Key benefits
The ACV-1 Hippo sets a new standard for fully automatic twistlocks, combining safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
- Designed with large pressure surfaces, the Hippo ensures maximum safety you can trust. Keeping key structural components intact, makes Hippo the safe fully automatic twistlock. This ensures reliable container handling and reduces the risk of slip-out on any occasions.
- 12mm vertical clearance prevents payload reduction. With vertical clearance matching semi-automatic twistlocks at 12mm, the Hippo lock avoids the drawbacks of larger clearances, such as reduced payload capacity. This ensures that you’ll get the most out of every trip.
- Forged manufacturing means maximum strength. The forging process delivers exceptional strong hold, providing a lock that can withstand rough handling and extreme conditions without failure.
- Safe, mechanical securing eliminates drop-off risks. The Hippo lock offers secure mechanical locking to the container corner fittings, ensuring twistlocks stay in place during loading and discharging, reducing operational disruptions and safety hazards.
- Simple operation. There is no need to use operation rods for locking or unlocking Hippo, it is designed for ease of use. The Hippo lock minimizes setup time and effort, saving labor costs and making it accessible for operators with minimal training.
- No maintenance or greasing required: The Hippo fullyauto twistlock’s maintenance-free design is reducing operational costs and downtime, while offering long-term hassle-free performance.
Together, these qualities make Hippo the safest and most sustainable securing solution on the market.
Key features
Purpose-built for simplicity and endurance, Hippo integrates seamlessly into modern container-securing systems.
- Automatic engagement and release during crane handling; no manual intervention.
- Wire-operated drop-lock for secure mechanical locking and fall-off prevention.
- Forged high-tensile steel housing for unmatched durability.
- 12 mm vertical clearance preserves stacking height and payload efficiency.
- Hot-dip galvanised finish for maximum corrosion resistance.
- Maintenance-free performance throughout service life.
- Comprehensive certification, approved by DNV, BV, KR, ABS and LR for global operations.
Download Container Cargo System Booklet
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References
Hapag-Lloyd selected the MacGregor ACV-1 Hippo for its A19-class 19,900 TEU vessels, enabling the addition of an extra container tier without compromising safety or performance.
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Technical Features
- Operation: Automatic locking/unlocking with fall-off prevention
- Tension Break Load: ≥ 500 kN
- Shear Break Load: ≥ 420 kN
- Compression Break Load: ≥ 2 000 kN
- Vertical Clearance: 12 mm
- Flange Thickness: 15 mm / 28 mm
- Material: Forged high-tensile steel
- Surface Treatment: Hot-dip galvanised
- Handle: Stainless-steel “SteveKnob” design
- Counterparts: ISO corner fittings
- Certifications: DNV, BV, KR, ABS, LR type approvals
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Ship Types
Compatible with all container vessel classes, including
- Feeder and coastal vessels
- Panamax and post-Panamax ships
- Ultra-large container carriers (ULCVs)
Hippo integrates easily with newbuild or retrofit installations to improve operational safety and productivity. -
Checklist for successful purchasing
Vertical Clearance (12mm)
- Matches semi-automatic twistlocks with a 12mm vertical clearance. Everything over 12mm is away from payload and safety.
Secure Locking with No Drop-Off- Wire-operated, mechanically secured locking prevents drop-offs during loading and unloading.
- Designed for ease of use by stevedores accustomed to handle wire operation.
Exceptional Grip and Anti-Slip Performance- Features a wire-operated drop-lock that ensures a solid, forged twistlock body, enhancing safety and reliability.
Understand the Differences Between Fullyauto Twistlocks- Fully-automatic twistlocks vary in performance—know the key features and specifications to make an informed purchase.
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Retrofitting
Looking to upgrade your in-service vessel’s semiautomatic twistlocks to the advanced Hippo fully automatic twistlocks? MacGregor makes this process straightforward and efficient.
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World’s toughest twistlock class notation “HHT” from the Korean Register
KR’s notation demands exceptional performance, including the smallest vertical clearance, maximized pull-out capacity and a tension breaking load of at least 750kN - something only top-tier twistlock like Hippo can deliver.
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Switching from casting to forging leads to carbon reduction of over 40%
Switching from cast housing to forged housing in the production of fully automatic twistlocks will significantly reduce their environmental impact, as demonstrated by MacGregor's approach with the Hippo. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, conducted by us in accordance with the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, reveal that this change will lead to a reduction in CO₂ emissions of over 40%. By optimizing the manufacturing process, forging not only enhances the structural strength of the twistlock but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with its production.
Forging is inherently more efficient than casting, as it requires less energy and produces fewer material byproducts, reducing the environmental burden associated with resource extraction and disposal. The process eliminates the need for energy-intensive melting operation common in casting, and ensures a higher yield of usable material per unit of raw input. This manufacturing transition aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
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Articles and Blogs
MacGregor Cargo System Insights about inserting & removing "Hippo"
Welcome to MacGregor Cargo System Insights. In the video Arto Toivonen and Perttu Jokinen are inserting and removing the MacGregor automatic twistlock ACV-1 "Hippo".
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