Cargo Hold Cleanliness Standards
The standards for cargo hold cleaning are essential to ensure that holds are adequately prepared for the next load, avoiding contamination, and meeting regulatory and contractual requirements. There are several recognized levels of cleaning, each suited to different types of cargo and operational needs. These levels, as defined by various maritime sources such as Britannia P&I, include Hospital Clean, Grain Clean, Normal Clean, Shovel Clean, Dry Sweep, and Load on Top.
Hospital Clean is the most rigorous standard, typically required for cargoes that are highly sensitive, such as kaolin, mineral sands, and certain foodstuffs. This level of cleanliness demands that the hold’s paintwork is completely intact, with no rust or residues remaining on any surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas like ladder rungs and undersides of hatches. Seachios Marine Services, through its BULKOPERATIONS™ division, achieves this standard by employing advanced hydrojetting techniques, ensuring that all surfaces are spotless and suitable for the most demanding cargoes.
Grain Clean is the most commonly required cleaning standard, necessary for cargoes such as grains, soya products, fertilizers, and other bulk commodities. The key requirements are that the hold is completely free from any residues, odors, and gas, with no loose rust or paint that could contaminate the cargo. Seachios ensures compliance with this standard by thoroughly removing all previous cargo residues through hydrojetting, followed by washing down with fresh water, drying, and ventilating the hold to achieve the required level of cleanliness.
Normal Clean is a less stringent standard, where the hold must be cleaned to remove all visible residues from the previous cargo, ready to receive similar or compatible cargoes. Seachios meets this standard by employing a combination of hydrojetting and drying, ensuring the hold is free from contaminants and suitable for its next load.
Shovel Clean requires only the removal of bulk cargo residues through manual or mechanical means, without the need for washing. This standard is often sufficient for cargoes that are not sensitive to minor residues. Seachios’ approach to this standard involves efficient manual cleaning with shovels or mechanical sweepers, ensuring the hold is clear of bulk residues and ready for loading.
Dry Sweep involves a thorough sweeping of all accessible areas, such as ladders and hoppers, to remove any visible residues. This standard is typically used for cargoes that are less sensitive and do not require washing down. Seachios ensures that all visible residues are effectively removed through meticulous sweeping, maintaining the cleanliness necessary for less demanding cargoes.
Load on Top is the minimal cleaning standard, where new cargo is loaded directly on top of residues from the previous load. This standard is typically used when the ship is carrying the same type of cargo continuously. Seachios can accommodate this requirement by ensuring that any remaining residues are compatible with the new cargo and will not cause contamination.
Seachios Marine Services is committed to meeting these cleaning standards through its BULKOPERATIONS™ services, utilizing advanced cleaning technologies like hydrojetting and adhering to industry best practices. This ensures that holds are prepared to the highest standards required by the cargo and the specific needs of the clients.
