A significant order for hatch covers has been taken by TTS Ships Equipment GmbH, for supply to eight 13,100 TEU container vessels building at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd, Korea, for delivery in 2010 and 2011. The company will supply 83 lift-on/lift-off panels to each ship, covering 21 hatches per ship.

Since the development of the first containership, TTS Ships Equipment has been involved in the creation of lift-on/lift-off hatch cover systems. The use of advanced stress calculation systems and computer aided design technology for the steel structure enables the hatch cover panels to accommodate higher container loadings, while keeping panel weights within the permitted maximum for handling by shore cranes. The portfolio of TTS hatch cover types includes single flap, folding, multi-folding, lift-on/lift-off, piggy back and side rolling.

'TTS has wide experience in design, fabrication, project management and aftersales activities for all types of merchant ships and mega yachts,' says Karsten Kroschel, sales and project manager at TTS Ships Equipment. 'We're now putting renewed focus on our aftersales service, operating around the clock to support the entire TTS range of products.'