Liberty Ship Hatch Covers: History and Preservation

The History of Liberty Ship Hatch Covers

Liberty ships were cargo ships built in the United States during World War II. Over 2,700 liberty ships were built between 1941 and 1945, helping to transport crucial supplies to Allied forces fighting in Europe and Asia. These hastily built ships became known as "ugly ducklings" for their simple, box-like appearance. Despite lacking aesthetic appeal, they served an invaluable purpose for the Allied war effort.

One distinctive feature of liberty ships were their hatch covers. These heavy wooden covers were placed over cargo holds when the ships were loaded with supplies. They helped protect the cargo from weather during voyages across rough seas.

Purpose and Design

Hatch covers on liberty ships had to be both functional and lightweight. They were typically constructed from lumber and featured metal or fiber reinforcement brackets. When closed, they created an airtight seal over the hatch using rubber gaskets.

The hatch covers were designed for easy opening and closing. Many were rigged with pulleys, wheels, and sliding tracks to allow access to holds quickly. A team of crew members would work together to remove the heavy lids before cargo could be loaded or unloaded in each port.

Hazards and Repairs

The hatch covers were subjected to a great deal of strain while at sea. Giant waves crashing over the deck could damage the lids and their fixtures. Saltwater also caused corrosion issues over time. Crews often had to perform repairs while voyaging between ports of call.

Accidents involving the hatch covers resulted in some of the most severe liberty ship casualties. If they buckled or broke free during storms, massive flooding could occur. The SS John Barry sank rapidly after its #3 hatch cover floated away in 1944. Around half of the crew was lost.

Hatch Covers on Converted Liberty Ships

Following World War II, many liberty ships continued sailing to transport commercial freight. Some were sold into private ownership and retrofitted to carry a greater quantity and variety of cargo. Passenger transport conversions were also popular for exploited tourist demand.

Commercial Cargo Conversions

Liberty ships converted for commercial shipping often had new, lighter aluminum hatch covers installed. Though more expensive than the original wooden covers, they were stronger and required less maintenance over time. New hydraulic or electric opening systems replaced old manual methods as well.

Specialized cargo like vehicles, locomotives, and airplanes necessitated changes to hatch dimensions on some liberty ships. Custom steel or fiberglass covers were produced to fit unique hold configurations.

Passenger Ship Conversions

To appeal to immigrants and tourists, many liberty ship entrepreneurs transformed portions of the cargo holds into passenger cabins. This required reworking the hatch covers to allow light and ventilation. Small deck hatch covers with glass portholes were installed.

For safety, heat-resistant insulation was placed under the metal lids over passenger areas. The hatch operating mechanisms were also updated to prevent accidental opening at sea. Guards were positioned on deck when the covers needed to be opened.

Preserving Liberty Ship Hatch Covers

Today, a couple dozen remaining liberty ships serve as floating museums across the United States. Volunteers and ship restorers have worked diligently to maintain or reconstruct the original hatch covers and opening systems.

Finding and Fabricting Replacements

Tracking down 70+ year old hatch cover parts poses quite a challenge for restorers. Some have gotten creative, adapting old railway boxcar or ship fender covers when originals could not be located. Custom metal fabricators have also aided reconstruction efforts where needed.

Restoring Mechanisms

The pulley systems, sliding tracks, and wheel assembles have proven especially difficult to restore on museum ships. Advanced corrosion and strain take extensive work to remedy. But dedicated volunteers have successfully returned many of the hatch mechanisms to full working order.

Preserving these liberty ship features allows visitors to better understand cargo loading on wartime vessels. Watching the hatch covers open and close provides a living history experience.

FAQs

Why were hatch covers important on liberty ships?

Hatch covers created an airtight seal over cargo holds, protecting goods from weather damage on voyages. They could be quickly opened and closed to load and unload supplies in ports.

How did conversions change the hatch covers?

Passenger and specialized cargo retrofits required custom covers for light, ventilation safety. Commercial freighters installed modern, lightweight aluminum lids easier to operate than original wooden covers.

What hazards did the covers pose?

Storm waves could damage hatch covers and attachments, causing flooding sinkings. The SS John Barry sank rapidly when its #3 lid floated off in rough seas.

How are the covers preserved today?

Tracking down original parts proves difficult, so restorers adapt creative replacements. Reconstructing complex pulley, wheel systems takes extensive work for museum ships.