Preliminary Information

A pre-inspection of the cargo holds aboard the M/V Virtuous Striker revealed significant operational challenges. The onboard supervisor identified the following:

• Cargo Residues:
  Heavy deposits from previous cargoes were adhered to key surfaces:

  • Frames

  • Tank Tops

  • Bulkheads (Forward and Aft)

• Severe Corrosion:
  Rust was widespread across the structural components, with embedded cargo residues aggravating the issue.

• Black Stains:
  Persistent black stains, particularly in heavily corroded areas, presented additional cleaning challenges.

Given these conditions, a detailed cleaning and painting plan was implemented to restore the cargo holds to acceptable operational standards.

Cleaning Operations

Timeline: December 31, 2024 – January 4, 2025

The cleaning process was carried out in four systematic phases:

Phase 1: Seawater Washing

• Objective: Remove heavy residues and loose contaminants.

• Process: High-pressure seawater was applied across all surfaces, including tank tops, frames, and bulkheads.

• Outcome: Effective removal of surface-level debris.

Phase 2: Chemical Application and Manual Scrubbing

• Objective: Target stubborn contaminants and embedded residues.

• Process:

  • Application of biodegradable chemical cleaning agents to frames, hoppers, and bulkheads.

  • Manual scrubbing with sponges for deeper cleaning.

• Outcome: Reduced contamination levels, though some black stains and rust persisted.

Phase 3: High-Pressure Hydroblasting

• Objective: Eliminate deeply embedded residues and corrosion.

• Process: Hydroblasting at 500–600 bar was conducted on all key surfaces.

• Outcome: Significant reduction of contaminants; however, black stains and deep rust remained in some areas.

Phase 4: Freshwater Rinsing

• Objective: Final cleaning to remove dust and residual chemicals.

• Process: Light-pressure freshwater rinsing covered all cleaned areas.

• Outcome: Prepared the holds for inspection and painting.

Painting Operations

Timeline: January 4, 2025 – January 6, 2025

Painting was conducted to address persistent black stains, rust, and other imperfections that could not be resolved through cleaning alone.

Scope of Work

Ship's Crew Responsibilities:

• Painted the hatch coamings.

• Assisted in painting operations for Cargo Hold 01 and Cargo Hold 02.

• Prepared and monitored airless equipment and paint for the Seachios® team.

Seachios® Team Responsibilities:

• Completed all interior painting for Cargo Hold 01–05, ensuring compliance with maritime standards.

Painting Process

1. Surface Preparation:

   • Final cleaning and dust removal.

   • Preparation of frames, hoppers, and bulkheads for paint application.

2. Painting Application:

   • Marine-grade coatings were applied to:

     • Forward Bulkheads

     • Aft Bulkheads

     • Frames

     • Tank Tops

     • Hoppers

   • Ensured full coverage and durability.

3. Final Rinse:

   • Light freshwater wash was performed post-painting to remove dust and overspray.

Detailed Painting Completion Data

Cargo Hold 01

• Forward Bulkhead: 70%

• Aft Bulkhead: 60%

• Hoppers: 40%

• Frames: 50%
  Average Completion: 55.0%

Cargo Hold 02

• Forward Bulkhead: 60%

• Aft Bulkhead: 50%

• Hoppers: 40%

• Frames: 50%
  Average Completion: 50.0%

Cargo Hold 03

• Forward Bulkhead: 70%

• Aft Bulkhead: 40%

• Hoppers: 100%

• Frames: 50%
  Average Completion: 65.0%

Cargo Hold 04

• Forward Bulkhead: 80%

• Aft Bulkhead: 60%

• Hoppers: 100%

• Frames: 50%
  Average Completion: 72.5%

Cargo Hold 05

• Forward Bulkhead: 70%

• Aft Bulkhead: 85%

• Hoppers: 100%

• Frames: 50%
  Average Completion: 76.25%

Summary of Results

• Average Painting Percentage per Hold:

  • Cargo Hold 01: 55.0%

  • Cargo Hold 02: 50.0%

  • Cargo Hold 03: 65.0%

  • Cargo Hold 04: 72.5%

  • Cargo Hold 05: 76.25%

• Overall Average Painting Percentage: 63.75%

• Highest Painting Completion: Cargo Hold 05 (76.25%)

Remarks

The combined efforts of Seachios® Marine Services and the ship’s crew ensured the successful restoration of all cargo holds aboard the M/V Virtuous Striker. Cleaning operations removed the majority of residues, while painting operations resolved issues related to black stains and corrosion. The cargo holds are now restored to hospital-standard cleanliness, ensuring readiness for inspection and future cargo operations.

For further information, please contact Seachios® Marine Services.