- ABS has awarded Approval in Principle (AIP) to Lemissoler Corporate Management Ltd. for a new watertight hatch cover design for bulk carriers.
- The design enhances cargo protection, crew safety, and vessel efficiency through improved sealing, an enclosed deck configuration, and increased cargo capacity.
- The system is expected to boost operational performance and environmental compliance, including improvements to the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).
Lemissoler Corporate Management Ltd. has received ABS’s Approval in Principle for its advanced watertight hatch cover system tailored for bulk carriers. The design incorporates an innovative sealing arrangement to improve water tightness, while the enclosed deck layout provides enhanced crew protection from harsh weather, reduces maintenance requirements, and increases overall cargo capacity.
Technical Review and Verification
The AIP was granted following ABS’s rigorous review of the design in line with class requirements. This included evaluations of the structural plan, finite element strength analysis (FEM), and the proposed hydraulic system.
Industry Perspective
Highlighting the importance of the innovation, Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development, stated:
“Larger gearless vessels, such as the Kamsarmax, are popular designs due to their versatility in carrying multiple cargo types. These advanced watertight hatches safeguard cargo, enable operations at reduced freeboards, and improve the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), thereby strengthening environmental performance. ABS is proud to support Lemissoler’s groundbreaking design.”
