Hatch covers

Types of hatch covers

- mechanically operated steel covers are

of folding, sliding, rolling, etc. types,
fitted with gaskets and clamping devices;
steel pontoon covers with tarpaulins
and battening devices or with gaskets
and cleats;
portable covers with tarpaulins and
battening devices (usually wooden
covers).

Types of Steel hatch

covers

Lift-away hatch covers

Rolling hatch covers
Hydraulic folding hatch covers
Piggy-back hatch covers

Lift-away hatch covers

Lift-away hatch covers
Single-panel covers:
single-opening
multi-opening
Single-panel types comprise one cover for
each opening i.e. there are no joints. They are
normally specified for bulk carriers in the case
of single-opening , and for cellular container
ships in the case of multi-opening
configurations.

Lift-away hatch covers

Multi-panel

covers:
with longitudinal joints
with transversal joints
Multi-panel covers comprise several
separate panels for each hatch opening.
They are used for cellular container ships
in the case of longitudinal joints, and for
multipurpose cargo ships and heavy cargo
tonnage in the case of transversal joints.

Lift-away hatch covers

Rolling hatch covers

Side-rolling hatch covers stow in a transverse

direction. The traditional side-rolling cover
consists of two panels per hatch, each panel
rolling sideways on a pair of transverse ramps,
thus presenting a minimum obstacle when
loading. In some cases both panels can be stowed
together on one side to further enhance access
when loading and unloading.
A single-panel type where the panel stows
transversally or longitudinally are mainly used on
very large ore carriers (VLOCs), with sufficient
free deck area.

Side-rolling hatch covers can have a variety

of different drive systems. The two main
options are rack and pinion, or chain drive.
A combination of the two is also possible.
The chain drive type can either be a twosided chain system or a system with a
single chain arranged
The covers open by lifting to the rolling
position and rolling out by the drive
mechanism.

Rolling hatch covers

Piggy-back hatch covers are used on bulk carriers

when the available deck space is insufficient to
accommodate folding, side-rolling or end-rolling
covers.
This system always comprises two panels, with one
panel being raised high enough for the other to roll
underneath and to support the lifted panel on to its
back. Both panels can then be rolled back and
forth. The system can either be applied to a pair of
hatches or to the two panels of a single hatch. If the
number of panels exceeds two, the system is called
stacking, and special high lifters are needed.

With ever more efficient cargo working in port being

the objective, modern dry cargo vessels are tending to
develop to a more open trend, i.e. the size of the
hatches compared with the deck area is growing. This
implies that there is less stowage space available for
the hatch covers, which has made the high-stowing
hydraulic folding covers very popular.
Hydraulic operation results in smooth and positive
control of the big panels during opening and closing of
the cover. A major advantage with the hydraulic
folding covers is the low number of panels. Fewer big
panels are advantageous when designing the covers
for container loads.

The name hydraulic folding cover refers, to a cover

consisting of two panels which are connected by
hinges to form a folding pair. In many cases the cover
consists of two folding pairs. One pair is stowed at the
aft end of the hatch and the other forward. The folding
pair is operated by hydraulic cylinders acting directly
on the end hinge arms which are connected at stools
on the deck. When the cylinders push the end panel up
from the closed position, the cover is folded and the
second panel, fitted with wheels, rolls on the rails to
the stowage position. The panels are usually secured in
the open position by semi-automatic hooks interacting
with the wheel arms.

The traditional sealing arrangement

is made up of a water seal, which is
pressed against the edge of a
compression bar. For the
arrangement to function correctly,
there must be a suitable sealing force
and the compression bar must be in
the correct position in relation to the
seal.

Battening down a hatch

cover

Care and Maintenance of hatch

covers
The

ship owners and their crew should apply a

programme of maintenance to ensure that the steel
is not allowed to corrode, gaskets are periodically
replaced, movable parts are kept properly
lubricated and fittings periodically overhauled.
The crew should also make sure, at each operation that
the covers are sufficiently clean, especially at bearing
surfaces, and that the drainage holes are clear.
Most problems occur at the peripheral and cross-joint
gaskets. This will involve not only the rubber but the
compression bars, the locking devices, the cleating,
load bearing surfaces, and the general condition of the
coaming top plate to be checked.

Care and Maintenance of hatch

covers

In addition, in cases where the hatch panels are

moved by hydraulic means then the
manufacturer's maintenance procedures must be
adhered to in all respects.
When hydraulic cleating or securing is arranged,
means are to be provided to ensure that the
covers remain closed and weather tight in the
event of hydraulic failure.
The crew should however bear in mind that in
extreme cases hatch cover protection may have
to be complemented by means of tarpaulins or
adhesive tapes

Care and Maintenance of hatch

covers

This is a decision to be made by the Master

taking into account the nature of the cargo,
expected sea-conditions, uneven load
distribution on hatch covers and, above all,
previous experience in similar circumstances.
The use of tarpaulins on mechanically
operated steel covers must be considered an
emergency temporary measure.
Containers and cargoes should not be stowed
on hatch covers unless they have been
designed for such carriage.

Care and Maintenance of hatch

covers

Additionally, correct and adequate lashing systems

are to be used at all times when stowing cargoes; this
is equally important for cargoes stowed on tween
deck covers and that battening down devices are
correctly used to the hatch covers at the same time.
All securing devices should be checked and tightened
by the crew as appropriate especially in case where
their ships may be subjected to unusually rough seas.
The crew should also make sure that not only the
deck cargo, but also the derricks, etc. are properly
stowed and secured so that they will not be dislodged
in a seaway and cause damage to hatch covers

Care and Maintenance of hatch

covers

Greasing of moving parts to be carried out at regular

intervals.
Before operation oil level in the system to be checked
and toped up if required.
The appropriate manufacturer's instructions with respect
to the safe operation, inspection, maintenance and
repair of the type of the hatch cover fitted on the ship
should be complied with in all respects.
To this end a "Record of the Maintenance of Hatch
Covers" should also be provided by the Manufacturer
together with the operation and maintenance manual to
assist owners to carry out the appropriate maintenance.