Which fitting is specifically designed for heavy-duty mooring applications?

Bitts are specifically designed for heavy-duty mooring applications due to their robust construction and ability to handle substantial loads. They are essentially large, vertical posts mounted on a ship's deck, allowing for the secure mooring of vessels by providing a solid point around which mooring lines can be wrapped or secured. This design ensures that bitts can withstand the significant stresses and strains imposed during rough weather or when vessels are being tied up alongside others or to wharves.

In contrast, cleats are primarily intended for lighter mooring tasks and are not generally suited for the same heavy-duty applications as bitts. Turnbuckles are used to adjust tension in cables or rods, while hooks serve different functions in securing or connecting items, but none can match the load-bearing capabilities of bitts in heavy-duty mooring situations.