Container Vessel Hatch Covers - Maximise TEU Capacity with Proven Structural Performance

MacGregor container vessel hatch covers are engineered to handle the massive static and dynamic loads of modern container stacks while maximising your vessel’s cargo intake. With proprietary bearing pad technology and high-compression sealing systems, they deliver the structural integrity and turnaround speed that today’s container operations demand.

Container ships of all sizes
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Key benefits

MacGregor container vessel hatch covers protect your revenue by combining optimised TEU capacity with reliable weathertight performance and fast port turnarounds.

  • Maximised TEU capacity and revenue through optimised structural design that supports maximum container stack weights while keeping cover weight low, protecting your freight rate margins on every voyage.
  • Weathertight cargo protection using high-compression sealing systems that remain effective under the extreme torsion of a fully loaded container ship, preventing water ingress and protecting cargo value.
  • Reduced cover weight and fuel costs delivered by an innovative design methodology that optimises structural performance without excess material, improving fuel efficiency and lowering GHG intensity.
  • Fast port turnarounds enabled by rapid crane-operated panel handling and stackable designs. Panels are lifted with a spreader using shore-side container cranes, minimising time between cargo operations.
  • Future-proofing for ageing fleets with retrofit and modernisation solutions that extend vessel life and support decarbonisation compliance, including FuelEU Maritime and IMO targets, without complete hatch cover replacement.

Together, these advantages make MacGregor container vessel hatch covers the industry benchmark for container ship cargo performance.


Key features

Designed using a holistic optimisation approach that considers the entire container stowage system, MacGregor container vessel hatch covers deliver performance where it matters most.

  • Multi-panel designs (2 to 5 panels abreast) configured to match your vessel’s beam width and hold opening layout.
  • Engineered for maximum stack weights with an optimised structural design that reduces cover weight and cost while supporting the full static and dynamic loads of modern container stacks.
  • Proprietary Flexipad and Polypad technology with advanced bearing pads that compensate for hull deformation, preventing chattering and wear on the coaming.
  • High-compression weathertight sealing that maintains integrity under extreme hull torsion. Non-tight options also available.
  • Hoisting weight up to 45 tonnes per panel for efficient handling with shore-side container cranes using a standard spreader.
  • Stackable on quay or ship’s deck for rapid stowage during cargo operations.
  • Customisable with container fittings and special arrangements to support flexible deck cargo operations and diverse stowage requirements.

These features reflect MacGregor’s position as the only provider offering comprehensive system solution capability across the entire container stowage system.

  • Lifecycle Support

    MacGregor provides full lifecycle support for your container hatch covers, from initial design and turnkey delivery through to modernisation and spare-part supply.

    Our worldwide service network ensures rapid technical assistance and retrofit expertise. For ageing container fleets, MacGregor offers future-proofing solutions that extend vessel life and support compliance with evolving emissions regulations, without complete hatch cover replacement.

  • Technical Features

    Cover type: Lift-away (pontoon type), crane operated
    Panel configuration: Multi-panel, 2 to 5 panels abreast
    Hoisting weight: Up to 45 tonnes per panel
    Operation: Spreader with shore-side container cranes
    Sealing: High-compression weathertight systems; non-tight options available
    Bearing pads: Proprietary Flexipad and Polypad technology, also Lubripad and Steelpad available
    Container fittings: Standard container stowage fittings and special arrangements

  • Ship Types

    The container hatch covers are designed for container ships of all sizes:

    • Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV)
    • Neo-Panamax and New Panamax vessels
    • Post-Panamax and Panamax vessels
    • Feedermax and Feeder vessels

  • Solution Types

    MacGregor offers container hatch cover solutions tailored to your fleet’s needs:

    • Single and Multi-panel container hatch covers (2 to 5 panels abreast)
    • Weathertight and non-tight configurations
    • Covers with integrated container fittings and special stowage arrangements
    • Retrofit and modernisation packages for existing container fleets


    Each solution benefits from MacGregor’s holistic design optimisation approach, considering the entire container stowage system for maximum cargo performance.

  • Complementary Solutions

    The container hatch covers are part of a complete container stowage system:


    MacGregor is the only provider offering a comprehensive system solution capability across the entire container stowage system, from hatch covers to lashing bridges to lashings.

  • References

    MacGregor container hatch covers are trusted by the world’s leading container shipping lines, including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, Seaspan, and CMA CGM. With nearly a century of innovation and approximately 50% market share, MacGregor is the established industry leader in container hatch cover solutions.

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