Operation

Successful Shiploader Cleaning at Port of Itaqui

Company

Vale S/A

Company

Vale S/A

Company

Vale S/A

Services

Industrial Cleaning · Waste Management · High-Pressure Cleaning

Services

Industrial Cleaning · Waste Management · High-Pressure Cleaning

Services

Industrial Cleaning · Waste Management · High-Pressure Cleaning

Industry

Mining

Industry

Mining

Industry

Mining

Website

vale.com

Year

2025

Year

2025

Year

2025

In September 2025, Seachios® was commissioned to execute the industrial cleaning of a shiploader at the Port of Itaqui, Maranhão — one of Brazil’s most strategic terminals for copper exports. The challenge: restore operational efficiency of critical structures while keeping daytime logistics uninterrupted, ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental standards.

Vale S/A

Contractor

"The shiploader cleaning project at the Port of Itaqui was executed with professionalism, efficiency, and full compliance with safety and environmental requirements. Seachios® demonstrated technical expertise and planning capability, completing the work on schedule without disrupting operational continuity. We are fully satisfied with the results and with the commitment shown throughout the operation."

The Challenges

Cleaning a high-capacity shiploader during active port operations presented several challenges:

Continuous operations: The port needed uninterrupted daytime logistics, requiring all work to be done overnight.
Complex structures: The boom, counterweight, slew deck, galleries, and telescopic chute all demanded different cleaning approaches.
Access restrictions: Confined and elevated areas limited the use of standard cleaning equipment.
Environmental compliance: Residues, dust, and metallic particles had to be contained and directed to licensed treatment facilities.
Asset protection: Sensitive components — electrical panels, sensors, conveyor belts — needed full isolation to prevent damage.

Our Approach

To overcome these challenges, Seachios® deployed a structured methodology:

Night-shift execution: Ten consecutive night shifts allowed daytime logistics to continue without interruption.
High-pressure hydrojetting: 500 bar water jets were used on large surfaces, supported by manual cleaning in restricted zones.
Corrosion control: Rust removal and localized anti-corrosion treatment were applied to exposed structures.
HSQE compliance: Strict safety and environmental protocols were enforced, ensuring zero accidents or environmental incidents.
Waste management: All residues were contained, segregated, and transferred to port-approved treatment facilities.

This integrated approach combined operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, ensuring the project advanced without disruption.

The Challenges

Cleaning a high-capacity shiploader during active port operations presented several challenges:

Continuous operations: The port needed uninterrupted daytime logistics, requiring all work to be done overnight.
Complex structures: The boom, counterweight, slew deck, galleries, and telescopic chute all demanded different cleaning approaches.
Access restrictions: Confined and elevated areas limited the use of standard cleaning equipment.
Environmental compliance: Residues, dust, and metallic particles had to be contained and directed to licensed treatment facilities.
Asset protection: Sensitive components — electrical panels, sensors, conveyor belts — needed full isolation to prevent damage.

Our Approach

To overcome these challenges, Seachios® deployed a structured methodology:

Night-shift execution: Ten consecutive night shifts allowed daytime logistics to continue without interruption.
High-pressure hydrojetting: 500 bar water jets were used on large surfaces, supported by manual cleaning in restricted zones.
Corrosion control: Rust removal and localized anti-corrosion treatment were applied to exposed structures.
HSQE compliance: Strict safety and environmental protocols were enforced, ensuring zero accidents or environmental incidents.
Waste management: All residues were contained, segregated, and transferred to port-approved treatment facilities.

This integrated approach combined operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, ensuring the project advanced without disruption.

The Challenges

Cleaning a high-capacity shiploader during active port operations presented several challenges:

Continuous operations: The port needed uninterrupted daytime logistics, requiring all work to be done overnight.
Complex structures: The boom, counterweight, slew deck, galleries, and telescopic chute all demanded different cleaning approaches.
Access restrictions: Confined and elevated areas limited the use of standard cleaning equipment.
Environmental compliance: Residues, dust, and metallic particles had to be contained and directed to licensed treatment facilities.
Asset protection: Sensitive components — electrical panels, sensors, conveyor belts — needed full isolation to prevent damage.

Our Approach

To overcome these challenges, Seachios® deployed a structured methodology:

Night-shift execution: Ten consecutive night shifts allowed daytime logistics to continue without interruption.
High-pressure hydrojetting: 500 bar water jets were used on large surfaces, supported by manual cleaning in restricted zones.
Corrosion control: Rust removal and localized anti-corrosion treatment were applied to exposed structures.
HSQE compliance: Strict safety and environmental protocols were enforced, ensuring zero accidents or environmental incidents.
Waste management: All residues were contained, segregated, and transferred to port-approved treatment facilities.

This integrated approach combined operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, ensuring the project advanced without disruption.

The Results

The operation was completed on schedule within ten days, recording 630 man-hours with zero accidents or environmental incidents. Preventive maintenance extended the asset’s service life and reduced future downtime risk.

100% of planned scope completed.
Zero accidents, zero environmental incidents.
Critical copper export asset preserved without halting operations.
Extended equipment lifespan through preventive treatment.

Lessons Learned

Planning enables continuity: Night-shift scheduling is key to balancing maintenance with operational demands.
Tailored methods matter: Combining hydrojetting with manual cleaning ensures coverage of complex and confined structures.
Compliance adds value: Strict HSQE enforcement not only avoids incidents but strengthens stakeholder trust.
Preventive actions save costs: Anti-corrosion measures reduce long-term maintenance and downtime.

Key Takeaways

This project reinforced Seachios®’ role as a trusted partner in industrial port services. By delivering technical excellence, operational continuity, and full compliance, Seachios® added measurable long-term value to one of Brazil’s most critical export infrastructures.

The Results

100% of planned scope completed.
Zero accidents, zero environmental incidents.
Critical copper export asset preserved without halting operations.
Extended equipment lifespan through preventive treatment.

Lessons Learned

Planning enables continuity: Night-shift scheduling is key to balancing maintenance with operational demands.
Tailored methods matter: Combining hydrojetting with manual cleaning ensures coverage of complex and confined structures.
Compliance adds value: Strict HSQE enforcement not only avoids incidents but strengthens stakeholder trust.
Preventive actions save costs: Anti-corrosion measures reduce long-term maintenance and downtime.

Key Takeaways

The Results

100% of planned scope completed.
Zero accidents, zero environmental incidents.
Critical copper export asset preserved without halting operations.
Extended equipment lifespan through preventive treatment.

Lessons Learned

Planning enables continuity: Night-shift scheduling is key to balancing maintenance with operational demands.
Tailored methods matter: Combining hydrojetting with manual cleaning ensures coverage of complex and confined structures.
Compliance adds value: Strict HSQE enforcement not only avoids incidents but strengthens stakeholder trust.
Preventive actions save costs: Anti-corrosion measures reduce long-term maintenance and downtime.

Key Takeaways

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