Introduction Of Hatch Cover

Mechanical hatch covers, also known as cargo access equipment, are the general term for the opening and closing components of the ship's openings for cargo to pass through, as well as its control, transmission machinery and accessories. They are one of the important hull equipment on modern transport ships. Usually, when designing a ship, the selection is based on the characteristics of the ship, usage requirements, cargo characteristics, and dock equipment, and efforts are made to improve the efficiency of cargo loading and unloading.
The general requirements for cargo access equipment are: quick opening and closing, reliable operation, simple operation, easy manufacturing, convenient maintenance, good economy, and the ability to simplify the cargo loading and unloading process. In addition, cargo access equipment is also required to have a certain strength and airtightness to ensure the safety of the ship.
Traditional transport ships mostly use vertical loading and unloading methods, that is, cargo is hoisted in and out from the cargo hold. The cargo access of this type of ship is mainly the hatch cover device of the cargo hold. Ro-ro ships and other ships use horizontal loading and unloading methods, that is, cargo is mainly opened and closed by gangplanks and wheel-borne machinery. For this reason, two different access forms have emerged. [2]