There’s nothing that shipping companies can do about the weather and probably little about Somali piracy. But there’s much they can do to secure an important part of the ship – the hatch covers – and its precious cargo.

Emergency Seal from Rotterdam-based Cargo Care Solutions provides extra security next to the existing hatch cover sealing system. It’s reported to be causing quite a stir at maritime trade shows, and no wonder: unlike tape solutions, it can be used many times and is a cleaner alternative as it doesn’t leave residues.

Emergency Seal is a rubber sealing which can be pressed in the cross joint to provide extra security for the weather tightness of hatch covers. It works between a gap of 20mm to 50mm provided there are no wedges or cross joint cleats installed. A complete set for one cross joint consists of one straight length of packing (cut-to-size) and two pieces with 90? corners. Amongst the happy users of Emergency Seal are Graig Ship Management and Clipper Group, which have been applying it on their multi-purpose vessels since 2004.

Shipowners should check this product out. It could save them money and headaches. ~Barista Uno