A recent report issued by the Swedish Club states that bulk carrier owners will have to pay extra attention to the basics, as the wet damage is the most costly claim type and the second most common claim experienced by bulk carrier operators.
The report entitled Wet Damage on Bulk Carriers, was prepared in conjunction with DNV GL, and MacGregor.
Wet Damage Claims
It identifies heavy weather and leaking hatch covers as both the most common and the most costly type of wet damage claim. With the average cost for a wet damage cargo claim running at almost USD 110,000, this is sobering news.
Whilst weather routeing is used to minimise the effects of heavy weather, green sea on deck should be a surprise to no-one, and it is not unusual for cargo hatch covers to be fully immersed in sea water. Incorrectly applied and poorly maintained cargo hatch covers and sealing systems significantly increase the risk of cargo becoming damaged by water. Case studies have revealed that many of these claims could be avoided, with hatch components in poor repair, and applications of tape and seal-foam proving no substitute for good maintenance.
“Hatches leak for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of poor maintenance or failure to close them properly,“ explains Lars A. Malm, Director, Strategic Business Development & Client Relations. “Leaking or badly maintained hatch covers can lead to more serious consequences than wet cargo – flooding, accelerated corrosion or even loss of the ship.”
Common Issues & Advice to Avoid Them
The most common wet cargo issues include leaking cross joints, and compression bars, rubber gaskets, hatch coamings, drain channels and cleats in poor condition.
Wet Damage on Bulk Carriers offers practical advice on how to avoid these pitfalls, providing simple checklists and explanations of the routine tasks that can be carried out as part of a vessel’s PMS. Proper maintenance will save money and improve safety on board.
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Source: Swedish Club
