Self-deploying apparatus for attaching a lashing to a container

A lashing system for deploying a lashing on cargo ships and securing shipping containers, comprising:

• a lashing apparatus including:
• a support capable of interfacing with an interlocking system of one or more shipping containers, wherein the support includes an overhang portion that is configured to hang over a longitudinal end of the one or more shipping containers when the interlocking system interfaces with the one or more shipping containers;
• a motorized pull-in winch attached to the support;
• a pull-in line attached to the motorized pull-in winch;
• electronics circuitry configured to drive the motorized pull-in winch for lifting or lowering the pull-in line;
• a plug attached to the pull-in line;
• a fastening line;
• a first releasable connector, wherein the fastening line is selectively couplable to the plug via the releasable connector;
• and
• a lock provided in the overhang portion, the lock including a socket configured to receive and retain the plug;
• and
• a bucket adapted to be coupled to a structure of a cargo ship, wherein the bucket is configured to receive the plug.

A method of deploying a lashing on cargo ships and securing shipping containers, comprising:

• providing a lashing apparatus including a support including an overhang portion, a motorized pull-in winch attached to the support, a pull-in line attached to the motorized pull-in winch, electronics circuitry configured to drive the motorized pull-in winch, a plug attached to the pull-in line, a lock provided in the overhang portion, the lock including a socket, and a first releasable connector;
• interfacing the support with an interlocking system of one or more shipping containers, wherein the support overhang portion is configured to hang over a longitudinal end of the one or more shipping containers when the interlocking system interfaces with the one or more shipping containers;
• coupling a fastening line to the plug via the first releasable connector;
• lifting the pull-in line until the plug is above the socket;
• and
• lowering the pull-in line until the plug is received and retained in the socket.