Combination Hatch Covers

Folding-type, stacking-type and pivoting-type hatch cover sets from MacGREGOR will contribute to the safety and cargo handling efficiency of the latest heavy lift cargo ships ordered from the JJ Sietas yard by German operator SAL. The high-stowing Foldtite cover element, operated by external hydraulic cylinders, will comprise four panels extending over around 26.5m length of the hatch; and the six-panel stacking element (two hoistable and four rolling panels) will extend over around 80.6m of the hatch length.

Foldtite and stacking covers are respectively designed for uniformly distributed payload ratings of 3 tonnes/m2 and 5 tonnes/m2 , and for three-layer container stack loadings of 50 tonnes/20ft units and 70 tonnes/40ft units. The weatherdeck outfit is completed by a pivoting-type hatch cover offering a clear opening 4.4m long x 10.5m wide. Operated by external hydraulic cylinders and cleated manually, this non-weathertight single panel will stow in between the Foldtite hatch cover end hinges.

Typical Foldtite hatch covers consist of three to six panels per hatch end, typical arrangements being 2+4 and 4+4 panels. The length of panel pairs usually follows the container arrangement on the weather deck. In the case of partial openings, particularly with lift away possibility for individual panels, the container arrangement in the hold and on the covers plays an important part in panel length. When the cranes are installed to the side of the ship, there is an interface between the crane foundation and hatch covers.