For nearly a century and a half, Beldam Crossley has stood alongside the global maritime industry — supplying trusted sealing solutions that keep fleets safe, cargo secure and operations moving. Our Pilot® Lidpack® range continues this proud tradition, designed to perform where reliability is non-negotiable: at sea.
Recently, a major international shipping company transporting Naphtha cargo reached out after facing critical hatch seal failures during a mandatory onboard pressure test. Despite having newly fitted braided seals from another supplier, the vessel’s soap test inspection revealed leakage across multiple hatches — an unacceptable risk given the volatile nature of the cargo.
The Challenge
A series of newly fitted hatch seals — supplied by a third party — failed during inspection, causing delays, unplanned port time and rising costs. The vessel’s Captain and technical team needed a rapid, dependable solution to restore hatch integrity and pass inspection before loading could continue.
The Solution
The shipping company contacted Beldam Crossley, drawing on our long-standing reputation for engineering precision and maritime sealing expertise.
Our team quickly identified and supplied Lidpack® 3801L, a proven braided hatch packing designed to maintain a tight, secure seal under pressure — even in aggressive chemical and petroleum cargo environments.
The new Lidpack® 3801L was cut to length, heat-fused at the ends, lubricated, and reinforced with PTFE yarn tape to ensure an even, compressed seal. The hatch covers were refitted, and the subsequent vapour pressure test was a complete success — with no major pressure release for the full duration of the test.
Captain’s Testimonial
“Thank you to all at Beldam Crossley Ltd in the UK.
I am pleased to say that all lid packs of COTs 1W–6W + Slop W + BW have been replaced with the new 3801L tank lid packing. The packings sit tightly in the hatch covers, and the subsequent vapour pressure test was successful – showing no major release of pressure for the duration of the test.
We have learned a valuable lesson: don’t install cheap, inferior grades of hatch seals. The problems we had and the extra cost of port call while the problem was being addressed were staggering.”
Results
- Zero leakage achieved under vapour pressure test
- Immediate operational recovery, avoiding further port delays
- Improved cargo safety and compliance with Naphtha load requirements
- Restored confidence in long-term sealing reliability
- Built on 149 Years of Maritime Partnership
From the days of the tea clippers to today’s chemical tankers, Beldam Crossley has been a trusted name in marine sealing solutions — blending craftsmanship, material science and innovation across generations. The success of this project demonstrates how Lidpack® continues to protect the world’s fleets, delivering safety, performance and peace of mind when it matters most.
Looking for proven reliability at sea?
Contact en*******@***************co.uk to discuss your Lidpack® hatch sealing solutions or explore our custom-engineered PTFE components for marine, offshore and energy applications.
