Hatch Cover Repairs
Steel hatch covers in bulk carriers operate on the weather deck and prevent seawater damage to the cargo. Besides, the seawater stoppage prevents it from overloading the vessel’s balance and threatening its stability. Finally, steel hatch covers shorten the time the vessel turnarounds in ports. As such, crew sizes are reduced while ship sizes are enlarged.
Hatch covers in vessel design are designated as cost-efficient and efficient, in both aspects of initial investment and services. As such, a hatch cover should perform admirably in all sorts of cargo vessels. The most common types of hatch covers are folding, rolling, lifting, roll-stowing, and sliding. Lifter hatch covers are equipped on container vessels. Rolling hatch covers are fitted on bulk carriers (more specifically, side-rolling hatch covers). A rolling hatch cover is classified as side-rolling, end-rolling, piggy-back, and telescopic. Finally, folding hatch covers are fitted on most vessels, since they serve a general-purpose. However, the folding hatch covers sometimes alternate based on the cargo type carried and storage space of the ship.
Hatch cover repairs can be performed by specialists onshore or on-site. Hatch cover repairs cover the need for spare parts, as well as fixing cracks, corrosion, holes, and defects.
A folding hatch cover consists of two flat-type topped panels whose operations are performed through hydraulic arms. Folding hatch covers can be equipped on weather decks and tween decks. Their main advantage is their enormous size.
A rolling hatch cover has two covers at each hatchway’s end. It is fitted with wheels that slide the panels in two ways: longitudinally or athwartship. Rolling hatch covers are equipped on bigger vessels. They require hydraulic arms to find their rolling positions due to their massive size and weight.
A lifting hatch cover has two classifications: single-panel and multi-panel. A single-panel hatch cover has a lid for every opening and is typically found on bulk carriers. Multi-panel hatch covers have multiple lids for one hold and are usually found on container ships of cellular nature.
A stacking hatch cover operates on vessels whose cover is smaller than usual. They serve a lifting crane that is hydraulically powered. The crane moves the covers longitudinally and stacks them either over a stowage tank or over the vessel’s end. They are mostly used on barges.
Importance of Hatch Covers’ Maintenance and Repair
Steel hatches have many advantages, some of which are as follows. The vessel is more secure since they are stronger than standard hatch covers. Also, their operations are faster and easier. Finally, their service is more comfortable. As such, fewer crew members need to have the expertise to use them. Secondly, fewer crew members are required for hatch cover operations. Hatch cover repairs must only be performed by professionals whose services have been approved by the “Classification Society” or the flag state.
Some of the repairs include management, inspection, and maintenance of the rubber seals, which are responsible for the hatch covers being weatherproof. Also, the compression bars can be corroded or damaged if left unchecked or struck by cargo, respectively. Also, the bearing pads need to be adjusted. Bearing pads aid the transference of loads onto the deck as well as other deflect probable damages to the hatch cover. The locators, which help the closing of the panel, can be worn down if not maintained. The stoppers, responsible for sealing the hatch, must be closely monitored. The draining system, whose design prevents moisture and rust, must be adequately cleaned and drained. Finally, the securing mechanism, which forces the panels shut when the vessel is en route, must have a perfect structure. This can be made through proper maintenance, repairs, and overhauling of its components.
Vessel Types
Our collaborating service providers operate hatch cover repairs on bulk carriers.