What You Need to Know about Marine Cleaning Chemicals

Marine cleaning chemicals fall into two categories: dangerous, toxic chemicals and eco-friendly chemicals.

Caustic soda flakes are an example of the dangerous type. They cause burns and dissolve protein–which our bodies are made of. They are harmful to all living things.

They’re also used for cargo ship hold cleaning. 

Parts of the MARPOL protocol were written to address the release of this hazardous chemical into marine environments because of the harm it caused. Which added more complications to cargo hold cleaning on top of the need to clean as quickly as possible.

But caustic soda flakes don’t have to be used anymore because there are far better alternatives. 

Modern cleaning solutions don’t rely on harmful chemicals to be able to clean. In fact, our entire range of marine cleaning chemicals are environmentally friendly. Not only are they safe for the marine environment, they’re also safe for your crew to use in cargo hold settings.

Marine cleaning chemicals that are safe for the environment

• RBM HoldBlock®: corrosion & stain protection
• RBM HoldWash-HD®: general cleaning and holdblock removal
• RBM BilgeCoat: bilge protection

Each of these chemicals assists with the cleaning and protection of bulk carrier holds or bilges. In fact, RBM HoldBlock® has been proven to do a better job than lime wash and RBM BilgeCoat is safer to use than caustic soda flakes. Both of these RBM solutions, as well as our HoldWash, are non-harmful to people and the environment.

View our Compliance letter here. In summary, “RBM HoldBlockTM, RBM HoldWash-HDTM, and RBM BilgeCoat are classified as not harmful to the marine environment, with reference to “MEPC 63/23/Add.1, Annex 24 RESOLUTION MEPC.219(63)”.As per MARPOL Annex V, RBM HoldBlock, RBM HoldWash-HD, RBM BilgeCoat and do not categorize as Category 1, 2, or 3 in any of the seven categories.”

Each comes with an instruction manual as well as a MSDS for more information: 

RBM HoldBlock®: Instructions, MSDS.

RBM HoldWash-HD®: Instructions, MSDS

RBM BilgeCoat: Instructions, MSDS

If you’re still using dangerous chemicals for your cargo ship hold cleaning, know there are better and safer alternatives. Give us a call and we’ll get you started. 1-604-531-8333

Questions about this article or need help with your order? We’d love to hear from you. Contact RBM HoldSolutions here.