To achieve maximum profitability in dry bulk transportation. It is necessary to achieve quick turnaround times and prevent damage to the cargo, the crew, and the ship. Make the vessel cargo hold cleaning of bulk carriers a top priority in order to accomplish both of these important aims. The following are five maintenance and cleaning guidelines for vessel cargo hold cleaning, which should help make your trips more effective.

A FEW POINTERS ON HOW TO CLEAN THE Vessel CARGO HOLD cleaning OF A BULK CARRIER:

• Use a barrier. Some cargos are corrosive to metal surfaces. Hold block chemical shall be applied in the cargo holds of a bulk carrier in order to provide the hold’s protection, which is essential to the ship’s long-term well-being.Hold block is used to create a physical separation between the metal and the load. It prevents corrosion, which in turn makes hold cleaning and turnaround times go more quickly.
• Always remove any stains caused by hydrocarbons. The problem with transporting oily goods, such as green delay petroleum products, is that they leave a stain. When cargo is permitted to stain a hold more than once, the removal process becomes increasingly complicated and, as a result, more time-consuming. It is important to remove stains after each discharge and use a barrier before loading greasy goods in order to achieve maximum productivity.
• Safeguard the engine room. When carrying cargo that has the potential to corrode, like sulphur, the bilges are at risk of being damaged. Caustic soda flakes or a Bilge Coat are two forms of protection that sailors will employ when working in bilges in order to lessen the impact of the acidic water.
• Proper equipment. The crews need to have access to the equipment that will allow them to complete their tasks in a secure manner. This includes both high-pressure and low-pressure applicators and washing pumps as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) for each member of the team, such as coveralls, gloves, goggles, and masks. The crew has to have access to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as well as the instruction manuals for the equipment and cleaning solutions they will be utilizing.
• Always ensure that the cargo holds are clean. Even if the same cargo as the previous load is being loaded, the hold in which the cargo is stored needs to be cleaned. This enables damage inspections to be performed in the event that there are problems that are being concealed by the leftover remaining goods.

Each and every charter that ensures a company continues to earn money requires comprehensive hold cleaning maintenance to be carried out by experienced crew. When cleaning is done on a regular schedule and quality solutions are used, it helps protect crews, carriers, and their cargo, which in turn helps protect the assets of charterers.

Should a cargo hold be inspected and cleaned after each journey?

The simple answer is Yes ! We will explain why .

When the vessel cargo hold cleaning, there is an opportunity to inspect for any signs of damage and to ensure that everything is operational and in excellent repair. Inspections are required to be performed frequently on bilge areas, hatches, seals, ladders, paint, limber boards, and drainage systems.

When transporting oily cargoes such as green delayed petcoke, cargo hold cleaning after each journey is an absolute necessity. Coals with a high carbon content are renowned for leaving stains. The more they accumulate, the more difficult it is to eliminate these stains. Because of this, the time it takes to clear it up is extended.

When they come into contact with water, reactive cargoes like salt and Sulphur become corrosive. The corrosive water that they create corrodes the metal on the hold and has the potential to cause major structural damage in the long run. The crew is able to inspect the hold for any signs of damage, make repairs, and reapply protective barrier coatings when the hold is cleaned.

THE REASON FOR CLEANING OUT THE CARGO HOLD AFTER EVERY TRIP

• Examine for signs of damage and take measures to avoid contamination

• Apply for barrier protection once more.
• Helps to save both time and money

Time is money, as all proprietors of businesses are well aware. Because of the problems, the amount of time that the cargo hold is available for use decreases with each passing minute. Cleaning up after each journey not only makes the job go more quickly and easily, but also makes it possible to inspect for damage and reapply a solution that forms a protective barrier. Simply put, doing so makes good business sense.