How to avoid wet damage on bulk carriers
Before leaving port, the crew should inspect the hatch covers to ensure they are in a weathertight condition. There should be no cargo in the drain channels, each hatch cover should be secured properly, paint should be intact and the gaskets and coamings should be in good condition.
- Carry out a weathertightness test at least annually and always after repairing or replacing components in the cargo hatch system. When carrying water-sensitive cargo such as grain, soybeans, paper, etc. it is recommended that weathertightness is tested before each loaded voyage. Ultrasonic methods are suggested.
- Cargo hatch covers must be inspected and tested at regular intervals in accordance with vessel-specific procedures e.g. opening, cleaning before closing, closing, cleating etc. These records should be kept in the Planned Maintenance System (PMS).
If complicated repairs are required, professional specialists should be employed. - It is strongly recommended that a service engineer from the manufacturer inspects the cargo hatch system regularly in order to determine the condition of the hatch cover system and the repairs needed.
The full report can be downloaded at the bottom of this page
1. Introduction
Cargo wet damage on bulk carriers is a recurring problem. To identify the root cause of these problems and to identify suitable corrective measures, The Swedish Club has joined forces with the cargo hatch cover experts MacGregor and classification society DNV GL. In this publication, we identify the main causes of wet damage and share loss prevention advice on how to prevent wet damage from occurring on your vessel.
While most of the challenges and issues discussed in this publication focus on bulk carriers the principles may also be applied to other vessels with cargo hatches.
2. Scope of the report
This publication focuses on cargo claims statistics for wet damage claims relating to bulk carriers. To put these figures in context we have also provided an overview of claims statistics across a range of vessels. We have based our statistics on more than 600 cargo claims on bulk carriers over the last ten years. The average cost for a bulk carrier cargo claim is almost USD 125,000 and the average cost for a wet damage claim on a bulk carrier is USD 110,000. In this review we highlight the most common issues that contribute to these figures.
The following assisted in compiling this publication:
Ivar Haaberg
Senior Principal Surveyor, Hull & Materials
DNV GL – Maritime, Fleet in Service
And
Mikko Sinivaara
Technical Manager
MacGregor – CSS Competence Centre.
assisted in compiling this publication.
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