Ship unloaders and hatch openings are in disagreement. Geared vessels open hatches along the direction of the keel whereas ungeared vessels have winch mechanisms to separate the hatch covers abaft (sideways). Stowing hatch covers along the keel, rack back method means that an unloader is presented with a high wall during manoeuvrings between the holds. Separating the hatch covers sideways restricts the width of the opening so that the hatch cover does not overhang the wharf. This latter case leaves a large volume on either side of the ship inaccessible to grab unloaders which are the most versatile and economic unloaders.

To improve grab access it is, or is it?, worth considering fitting 3 hatches covers instead of the customary 2. The central cover is located over the 2 outside covers and provides a degree of overlap which would enable grabs etc. to reach down into the hold and thereby seriously reduce cleaning time and provide more weather protection and limit dust generation.

Any takers? ■