In Japan Club’s P&I Loss Prevention Bulletin Vol.53 the Club noted that a recent study and
claims analysis carried out by Japan Club over a five-year period between 2016PY and 2020PY showed that, out of the 161 claims that were reported, 76% consisted of wetting damage to grain, steel and ore cargoes. In 74 cases (46%), the sea water damage was caused by leaking hatch covers.
“This once again shows that hatch covers continue to generate seawater induced claims and that improperly maintained and leaky hatch covers have a high claim potential”, the Club said.
When water-susceptible cargo comes in contact with seawater during an ocean passage, it is most likely that a claim for wetting damage will be filed against the ship by the cargo /receivers, the Club said, noting that these claims generally consisted of a financial compensation for the damaged cargo. However, indirect consequences associated with wetting damage claims, such as extra work for legal staff , survey costs, delays, sorting and reconditioning of the damaged cargo, unscheduled repairs to hatch covers, reputation damage, disruption of the ship’s operational schedule, travel costs for superintendents, could also be significant.
