Enhancing Vessel Barrier Applications for Optimal Protection

Salt and sulphur can sink your business, literally

So it pays to be prepared and diligent about protecting your cargo holds.

When dealing with caustic cargoes like these, the best cargo hold protection you can achieve depends on correctly applying your marine barrier. So, anything you can do to enhance marine barrier application builds optimal protection for your ship and your bottom line.

Here’s how to use RBM HoldBlock®, to achieve the most robust protection possible against the harmful effects of corrosion.

Cargo Hold Protection: Initial Preparation

• Allow paint to fully cure before applying the barrier solution. 
• Mop up, or spread out, large puddles of water
• Remove previous cargo residues (and limewash)

Regarding paint: Paint that has not cured properly may absorb RBM HoldBlock® and cargo residues, making it very difficult to remove.

Barrier application process

• Use low-pressure application equipment
• Start at the bottom of the bulkheads and work your way up. 
• Do not allow HoldBlock to run down the bulkheads.
• Do not stand in one spot. 
• Work your way up to about 4/5 meters, then cover the tanktops.
• Allow it to dry before loading cargo.

Apply a light, misting spray to the surfaces that need protecting. If liquid starts running down, too much is being used. Mop up any excess. Hold the nozzle about ½ meter away from the surface and side-step along the bulkhead, always moving slowly. Ensure full coverage on these areas.

Additional tips 

Check to see how much product has been used. If less than 2/3 of a drum, continue application higher. If the outside temperature is close to freezing, mix HoldBlock with warm water to prevent freezing during application. If raining, close hatch covers to prevent rain from affecting the tanktops. Leave partially open for natural ventilation.

For further help, access our HoldBlock set-up video here, and our application video here.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please contact RBM HoldSolutions here or call 1-604-531-8333.