Protective Strategies for Long-Term Cargo Hold Maintenance

Dry bulk carriers last a whole lot longer when operators take care to protect their cargo holds. It’s a vital part of cargo hold cleaning that makes for a more successful business, with bigger profits and a better bottom line. Fortunately, cargo hold protection is easy with effective cleaning products and methods.

Here are the protective strategies that work for long-term cargo hold maintenance.

Cargo hold cleaning strategies

• Use a marine barrier
• Use a hold neutraliser
• Clean regularly & correctly
• Use quality solutions & equipment

Marine Barrier

Some cargoes are more dangerous for the vessel to carry than others. Materials like sulphur, salt, and fertilisers are caustic in a hold environment and gradually destroy the metal of the ship.  Other materials, like coals and green delayed petcocke are carbon-heavy and notorious for staining metal. If not removed regularly, the stains become permanent. 

Long-term protection in both situations requires cleaning crews to add a marine barrier that will mitigate the different types of damage caused by these cargos. Because when you reduce corrosion, you increase the lifespan of the vessel. Similarly, reduce staining to shorten cleaning time, pass inspections, and ensure holds can continue to take on a variety of cargoes. 

Hold Neutraliser

Bilge lines and bilge wells need protection from acidic water caused while transporting sulphur cargoes. Modern solutions, like RBM BilgeCoat afford great protection and are also environmentally friendly as well as easier and safer to use than outdated materials like caustic soda flakes.

Regular cleaning

Skipping cleaning may seem like a time-saver but it’s really just a deferment with a penalty attached–the ship takes damage, plus it’s harder and more time-consuming to clean the next session. So regular cleaning is a must. It saves time and it prevents damage.

Quality Solutions & equipment

Quality solutions are highly effective, economical and provide long-term cargo hold protection. Our RBM HoldWash-HD® is the strongest, eco-friendly, cleaning solution on the market, for example. It's also safe for crews to use and easy to apply. Likewise, use proper application equipment and PPE to ensure consistent and adequate coverage.

RBM HoldSolutions’ goals are to make the application easier and more cost-effective, with better products and greater service. Ordering online is easy, or call 1-604-531-8333.