25 Days to a Perfect Hold: Mastering Cargo Hold Cleaning & Preparation for Dry Bulk Shipping

 "25 Days to a Perfect Hold: Mastering Cargo Hold Cleaning & Preparation for Dry Bulk Shipping"

❓ 3 Yes/No Questions to Spark Curiosity:

• Have you ever underestimated the time or materials needed for a thorough cargo hold cleaning?
• Are you aware of the commercial and legal implications of poor hold preparation?
• Would your vessel pass inspection for sensitive cargo after carrying coal or dirty bulk?

 

📘 Clause Breakdown: Understanding the Rybm Hold Preparation Requirement

The charter party clause outlines an extensive hold preparation process under a RYBM (Ready-Your-Best-Method) agreement. Let’s break it down:

⏳ Timeline: 25 Days Weather Permitting (AGW, WP)

• 2.5 Days per Hold (Total ~18 Days)
  Involves sweeping, seawater (SW) washing, applying chemicals, and final freshwater (FW) rinsing. This step removes coal stains, residue, and contamination — crucial when switching from dirty to clean bulk cargo (e.g., from coal to cement or grain).
  💡 Tip: Start as soon as discharge ends to optimize turnaround.
• Bilge Cleaning & Drying
  Bilges can trap residue and odors. Complete cleaning is essential to avoid rejection during inspection, especially by strict grain surveyors or for sensitive cargoes.
  🚫 Pitfall: Ignoring bilge drying can delay inspection clearance.
• 1 Day per Hold (Total ~7 Days) for Derusting & Touch-Up Painting
  Targets transverse topsides (TTops), bulkheads, hoppers, ladders. Post-derusting, areas are touched-up and paint must dry completely before the next cargo.
  📌 Note: Rust spots and peeled paint often lead to off-hire or claims under ‘clean, swept and dry’ clauses.

🧪 Chemical & Paint Requirements

• Chemicals for Stain Removal:
• HD Aquatuff or Stormme Aquaclean – 400 Litres Total
  Used to remove coal and oily residues, these are industry-grade cleaning agents.
• Paint & Thinner for Touch-Up (T/Up):
• Hempadur Mastic Red – 300 Litres
• Thinner – 200 Litres
  Necessary to restore protective coatings and meet class standards or charterer expectations.

⚙️ Rustibus for Derusting

The vessel is equipped with a Rustibus (a mechanical descaler for steel surfaces), but requires removable gear teeth attachments for effective use. Without them, derusting quality can be compromised, affecting paint adhesion and inspection results.

 

📌 Practical Implications:

• Charterer Inspections: Failure to meet hold standards can lead to vessel rejection, off-hire, or loss of charter.
• Port Stay Extension: Delays in cleaning can result in extended laytime or demurrage claims.
• Safety & Structural Integrity: Inadequate derusting and coating compromises long-term steel condition.

🧠 Real Example:
A Supramax once arrived at Paranaguá for grain loading post-coal discharge. Cleaning was rushed to 12 days. Holds were rejected thrice. Result: 8 days off-hire, $60K in cleaning costs, and damaged reputation with charterers.

 

📋 Actionable Steps for Shipping Stakeholders

For Operators/Managers:

• Plan cleaning based on realistic timelines — consider AGW (all going well) clauses.
• Confirm availability of chemicals and Rustibus accessories at least 7 days prior.
• Track daily progress using cleaning checklists and photographic logs.

For Charterers:

• Review the previous cargo and match hold cleaning clauses accordingly.
• Agree on inspection parameters early — especially for sensitive cargo.

For Ship Owners:

• Ensure stocks of paints, thinners, and cleaning agents are replenished post dirty bulk carriage.
• Consider investing in attachments and tools that reduce derusting time.

 

🏁 Conclusion & Call to Action
Cargo hold preparation isn’t just routine maintenance — it’s a mission-critical operation. When done right, it ensures cargo integrity, maintains charter reputation, and protects vessel longevity. Don’t let rushed timelines or missing supplies sink your next fixture.

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📌 Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The interpretations of charter party clauses may vary by context and governing law. Always consult with legal or operational experts before acting on contract terms.