The bulk carrier was loading wire coils. When loading was complete the crew taped across the transverse beams of all the cargo holds with Ram-Nek plastic gasket. During the vessel’s transit it sailed through heavy weather that lasted for about two days. During this time the vessel was pitching and rolling and the cargo hatches were covered in water.

While discharging in port it was found that the steel coils in the top tiers were corroded. The steel coils below the centreline and folding seams were the most affected.

A surveyor in attendance observed that the cargo hatch covers were not in an adequate condition. The greatest number of rusted coils were in holds 1 and 3.

The surveyor tested the water integrity of the cargo hatch covers with an ultrasonic device which detected significant defects to the sealing arrangements. The gaskets were in poor condition and the hatch covers tested positive for chloride which indicates that saltwater has leaked.

The non-return valves for the drain channel were also in a poor condition as they were clogged and the ball inside was not moving. The transverse packing on the hatch covers was leaking, there were some cracked corners and leaking side joints.

The surveyor also found a number of leaking ventilation covers.
The cargo hatches and gaskets were in a poor condition. The cleats could not be tightened beyond hand tightening.

Read more about this case in the latest Monthly Safety Scenario.

MSS Case February: Leaking cargo hatch covers

When loading was complete the crew taped across the transverse beams of all the cargo holds with Ram-Nek plastic gasket. During the vessel’s transit it sailed through heavy weather that lasted for about two days. During this time the vessel was pitching and rolling and the cargo hatches were covered in water.

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For more Loss Prevention information, please contact: 
Joakim Enström, Loss Prevention Officer
E-mail: joakim.enstrom@swedishclub.com

Each month, the Club’s Loss Prevention team issues a new safety scenario to assist members in their efforts to comply with international safety regulations and follow best practices.