Section 5.1 Importance of Hold Cleanliness for Different Cargoes

The old adage “cleanliness is next to godliness” takes on a very tangible and commercially significant meaning in the context of bulk carrier cargo holds. The level of cleanliness directly impacts the quality, safety, and marketability of the cargo to be loaded. Different cargoes have vastly different sensitivities to contamination, making the “previous cargo” a primary concern when preparing for the “next cargo.”

1. Preventing Cargo Contamination and Quality Degradation:

This is the most obvious and common reason for meticulous hold cleaning.

Direct Contamination: Residues from a previous cargo can physically mix with the new cargo. For example:

Coal dust remaining in a hold subsequently loaded with grain will contaminate the grain, rendering it unsuitable for human or animal consumption and leading to rejection or claims.

Fertilizer residues left in a hold could contaminate a cargo of sugar or food-grade salt.

Dark ore residues can discolor light-colored cargoes like kaolin or certain mineral sands, affecting their industrial usability.

Chemical Contamination:

Residues might react chemically with the new cargo, altering its properties or creating hazardous by-products. For instance, acidic residues from certain fertilizers could corrode metallic cargoes or affect pH-sensitive materials.

Odor transfer: Strong odors from a previous cargo (e.g., fishmeal, certain chemicals) can be absorbed by a subsequent sensitive cargo (e.g., grains, tea, coffee if carried in bulk, though less common).

Moisture Contamination: Wet residues or damp hold surfaces can transfer moisture to a dry, hygroscopic cargo, potentially leading to caking, mold growth, or even liquefaction if the cargo is Group A and the moisture threshold is breached.

Pest Infestation: Residues of organic cargoes (grains, seeds) can harbor insects or larvae, which can then infest the next cargo, particularly if it’s another agricultural product. This can lead to fumigation requirements or rejection by quarantine authorities at the discharge port.

2. Ensuring Cargo Safety:

Preventing Unwanted Chemical Reactions: Some cargo residues, when mixed with a new cargo or with moisture, can initiate hazardous chemical reactions. For example, residues of oxidizing agents could react with organic cargoes, increasing fire risk.

Avoiding Contamination that Alters Hazard Profile: If a Group C cargo (e.g., clean sand) is contaminated by residues of a Group B cargo (e.g., self-heating coal fines), the overall hazard profile of the loaded cargo might change unexpectedly.

Maintaining Stability: Large accumulations of dense residues (e.g., hardened cement, compacted ores) in corners or on stringers can affect the vessel’s lightship weight and its distribution, potentially impacting stability calculations if not accounted for. While usually minor, significant build-up over time can be an issue.

3. Meeting Charter Party and Shipper Requirements:

Contractual Obligations: Charter parties and shipping contracts almost invariably contain clauses specifying the required standard of hold cleanliness for the intended cargo. Shippers will also have their own stringent requirements, especially for high-value or sensitive commodities.

Passing Hold Inspections: Before loading, holds are typically inspected by independent surveyors appointed by shippers, charterers, or cargo owners. If the holds are not deemed clean enough for the intended cargo, the vessel can be declared “off-hire,” leading to significant financial losses for the owner/operator due to delays while re-cleaning is performed. The vessel might even be rejected outright by the shipper.

Commercial Reputation: A vessel that consistently presents dirty holds will quickly gain a poor reputation in the market, making it harder to secure good charters. Conversely, a reputation for excellent hold preparation is a significant commercial advantage.

4. Compliance with Regulations:

IMSBC Code: Individual cargo schedules in the IMSBC Code often specify hold cleanliness requirements (e.g., “Hold shall be clean and dry,” or specific instructions for cargoes sensitive to contamination).

International Grain Code: Has very strict requirements for hold cleanliness for the carriage of grain in bulk, emphasizing freedom from previous cargo residues, insects, and odors.

Quarantine Regulations: Many countries have strict phytosanitary and quarantine regulations to prevent the import of foreign pests or diseases. Cargo holds must be free of any organic residues or soil that could harbor such organisms.

5. Specific Examples of Cargo Sensitivity:

Grains and other Foodstuffs (e.g., sugar, rice, oilseeds): Extremely sensitive to any form of contamination – physical, chemical, odor, or biological. Require the highest standards of cleanliness (“grain clean” or “hospital clean”).

Kaolin (China Clay), Alumina, Mineral Sands (e.g., Ilmenite, Rutile): These are often high-value industrial minerals where even slight discoloration from previous dark cargoes (ores, coal) can render them unusable or significantly reduce their value. Require meticulous cleaning to a “white glove” standard.

Fertilizers: Some fertilizers are sensitive to contamination from other chemicals or even certain metals. Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizers, for instance, have specific cleanliness requirements to prevent contamination that could increase their decomposition or explosive risk.

Cement: Highly sensitive to moisture. Holds must be perfectly dry, and any residues that could introduce moisture or react with cement must be removed.

Sulphur: While corrosive itself, it can be contaminated by organic materials or oils.

Coal and Ores: Generally less sensitive to minor residues of similar previous cargoes, but cross-contamination between different grades or types can still be an issue for specific industrial processes. A hold previously carrying coal will require thorough cleaning before loading a cargo like grain.

Analysis for the Master (Importance of Hold Cleanliness): The Master must fully appreciate that hold cleanliness is not just about appearance; it’s about:

Protecting the Cargo Owner’s Interests: Ensuring the cargo arrives in the same quality and condition as when loaded.

Protecting the Shipowner’s Commercial Interests: Avoiding off-hire, claims, and damage to reputation.

Ensuring Safety: Preventing hazardous reactions or unsafe conditions.

Maintaining Compliance: Meeting all contractual and regulatory obligations.

The decision on the level of cleaning required is dictated by the next cargo. This requires proactive communication with charterers and shippers to ascertain the specific requirements well in advance, allowing adequate time for the necessary preparation. The Chief Officer, under the Master’s supervision, is typically responsible for planning and executing hold cleaning operations, but the ultimate responsibility for presenting clean and suitable holds rests with the Master. This understanding is crucial for the practical advice and guidance you will offer through bulkersguide.com and your consultancy.