Hold Cleaning Clause in Charter Parties: Getting it Right Every Time

 ⚓ Hold Cleaning Clause in Charter Parties: Getting it Right Every Time

❓ Do you always have sufficient cleaning chemicals and paint onboard before fixing?
❓ Can using undiluted chemicals damage the vessel’s coatings and lead to disputes?
❓ Do Owners and Charterers truly understand the risks of poor hold cleaning when switching cargoes?

If you hesitated on any of these, this blog is for you. 🚢

 

📜 Clause Breakdown – Why It Matters

Most time charter parties contain clauses obligating Owners to deliver the vessel with clean, cargo-worthy holds. When carrying challenging cargoes like coal for extended periods, residues and stains can make switching to sensitive cargoes (like grain, fertilizers, or steels) a commercial risk.

This clause often goes beyond “clean on arrival” – it requires Owners to ensure sufficient cleaning resources are carried onboard (alkaline solutions such as sodium hypochlorite, brushes, HP machines, and paint for touch-up).

Key points in this clause include:

• Adequate cleaning chemicals must be stocked.
• Correct use of dilution ratios (e.g., 1:4 chemical to water) to avoid paint damage.
• No drying of chemicals on bulkheads to prevent stubborn white powdery stains.
• Multiple passes + glove test to ensure no transferable stains remain.
• HP machines and nylon brushes for stubborn areas.

🔍 Implication in real life:
Imagine a Panamax fixed for coal over several voyages. Now the vessel is ordered to load grain. A failed hold inspection due to residual coal dust may mean delays, off-hire, and costly re-cleaning. Worse, if chemicals were misused and paint coating is damaged, Owners may bear repair costs and face Charterers’ claims.

📚 Industry references:

• BIMCO “Hold Cleaning” Guidelines recommend carrying sufficient cleaning agents for all anticipated cargo sequences.
• Case law (The Maria [1979]) emphasized Owners’ obligation to present clean and suitable holds.

 

⚙️ Practical Guidance – Owners, Charterers & Operators

✅ For Owners

• Ensure sufficient alkaline solutions, brushes, and touch-up paint are always stocked onboard.
• Train Masters and crew on safe dilution ratios and “no dry-out” rule.
• Document cleaning efforts with photos, reports, and glove test logs.

✅ For Charterers

• Insert a clear clause requiring adequate cleaning resources onboard at delivery.
• During voyage orders, specify cleaning standards (grain standard, fertilizer standard, etc.).
• If holds fail inspection, insist on off-hire until rectified.

✅ For Operators

• Share step-by-step cleaning instructions (like dilution ratios, multiple passes, glove test).
• Align commercial and operational teams on time and costs of cleaning.
• Monitor past cargo sequences to anticipate cleaning needs in advance.

 

🌟 Conclusion & Call-to-Action

At sea, a clean hold is more than just compliance – it’s the gateway to the next cargo, the next hire, and the vessel’s reputation. A missed glove test or careless chemical mix can cost thousands in delays and disputes.

💡 Remember: “Cargo worthiness starts long before the next cargo is loaded – it begins with the last discharge and the right cleaning plan.”

👉 How do you manage hold cleaning on your vessels? Do you rely on crew experience or strict charter party wording? Share your insights below!

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. For specific cases, always consult qualified maritime legal professionals.