Abstract: An adaptor including a pair of lifting beams for lifting two or more shipping containers in a side by side configuration, each container having corner fittings provided with lifting/fastening sockets. Each lifting beam is designed to extend across one end of the top of the containers to be lifted and has pairs of connectors designed to connect to the lifting sockets provided in the tops of the containers. Each lifting beam, or connecting beams extending between the lifting beams, have sockets for detachable connection with an associated crane or lifting machine to lift the adaptor and containers. Each lifting beam is also a continuous extendable component having first and second portions which are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A system for lifting shipping containers each having corner fittings provided with lifting/fastening apertures, the system including lifting means for lifting en masse a matrix of containers including two or more columns of vertically connected containers, each column being at least two containers high. The lifting means uses the lifting apertures provided on the top of the top container in each column, and connecting means are provided for connecting each column transversely to each adjacent column to hold the columns together and prevent toppling of the columns relative to each other. A method of lifting is also disclosed together with a lifting beam and trailer and for use in handling containers.