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Hatch Cover Integrity Matters
In bulk carriers and general cargo vessels, hatch covers serve as the primary barrier against seawater ingress. A minor failure in hatch cover sealing can lead to major cargo damage, costly claims, and operational disputes. According to NorthStandard P&I Club, hatch cover leakage remains one of the top causes of cargo damage claims worldwide, amounting to millions of dollars every year.
Traditional methods such as hose testing or chalk testing have been widely used for decades. However, these approaches are often time-consuming, imprecise, and unsuitable for water-sensitive cargoes. In some cases, they may even create additional risks, such as introducing water into spaces that must remain dry. As global charterers, insurers, and classification societies demand more reliable verification, the industry is moving toward non-destructive ultrasonic testing.
Fastindo’s Modern Approach
At PT Fastindo Servis Tama, we adopt this modern standard by utilizing the Coltraco Portascanner® Watertight PLUS—a class-approved ultrasonic watertight integrity tester. This technology is:
• ABS Type-Approved & RINA Accepted, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Recognized by P&I Clubs as a proven alternative to hose and chalk testing.
• Highly accurate, capable of detecting micro-leaks as small as 0.06 mm using multiple testing modes.
By integrating this technology into our survey operations, we ensure that our clients receive results that are precise, independent, and accepted across the global maritime industry.
Key Benefits Over Conventional Methods
1. Efficiency in Operations
Ultrasonic hatch cover testing is fast. The ultrasonic generator can be magnetically mounted on the hatch coaming, eliminating the need to place equipment inside the hold. This reduces inspection time dramatically, allowing vessels to complete testing in minutes rather than hours.
2. Cost Reduction
Time saved in port equals direct financial savings. By shortening survey and turnaround times, operators reduce berth charges, demurrage risks, and delay penalties—critical advantages in today’s competitive chartering environment.
3. Cargo Protection Without Risk
Unlike hose testing, ultrasonic methods use no water, which eliminates the risk of contaminating sensitive cargoes such as grains, fertilizers, or steel products. This eco-friendly approach aligns with modern environmental and compliance standards.
4. International Acceptance
Survey reports generated through ultrasonic hatch cover testing are recognized by P&I Clubs and Classification Societies. This global acceptance gives owners, operators, and insurers confidence in the integrity of the findings, reducing disputes and strengthening claims defense.
5. Enhanced Surveyor Safety
Ultrasonic testing eliminates the need for surveyors to enter confined cargo holds or climb into hazardous areas. This significantly improves workplace safety while still delivering accurate results.
Added Value for Shipowners and Operators
For shipowners, charterers, and operators, the value of ultrasonic hatch cover testing lies not just in compliance but in risk mitigation and efficiency. Benefits include:
• Lower risk of cargo claims and disputes.
• Faster port turnaround, reducing costly delays.
• Compliance with SOLAS and IACS requirements for hatch cover integrity.
• Stronger evidence in case of insurance claims or charter party disagreements.
Industry Feedback
Leading P&I surveyors and classification auditors consistently report that ultrasonic testing has reduced survey times, improved surveyor safety, and accelerated loading operations compared to traditional methods. Many cargo owners and charterers now require ultrasonic verification as part of their standard cargo readiness procedures.
Why Choose PT Fastindo Servis Tama
What differentiates Fastindo is not just access to advanced tools, but how we use them. Our surveyors are master mariners and accredited inspectors, bringing vessel-specific expertise to every inspection. By combining international technology with local experience across Indonesian ports, we deliver globally compliant, cost-effective surveys trusted by shipowners, charterers, and P&I Clubs alike.
Conclusion
Ultrasonic hatch cover testing represents the future of cargo protection. By adopting Coltraco Portascanner® Watertight PLUS as part of our inspection regime, PT Fastindo Servis Tama provides clients with a service that is efficient, accurate, and internationally recognized. For shipowners and operators, this is not just about meeting compliance requirements—it is about reducing cargo claims, safeguarding operations, and achieving long-term cost efficiency.
With the right technology and expertise, hatch cover testing becomes more than a survey—it becomes an investment in the safety, reputation, and profitability of every voyage.