Cargo Hold Cleaning
Cargo Hold Cleaning
Efficient and compliant cargo hold cleaning with over four decades of proven expertise
Seachios® Marine Services has performed more than 180,000 cargo hold cleanings over 45 years, operating under Britannia P&I guidelines and international regulatory standards. The service combines high-pressure water jets (500–600 BAR), certified biodegradable chemicals, and AI-powered logistics to deliver fast, safe, and compliant cleaning solutions in Brazil’s main deep-water ports.
Cargo Hold Cleaning — Technical Specification
Integrated Framework
Seachios® employs a hybrid methodology that combines robotic hydroblasting at 500 BAR (≈7,250 PSI), shore gang cleaning teams, and cargo-specific chemical treatment. This integrated approach ensures full coverage of cargo hold structures, operational compliance, and readiness for sensitive cargoes.
Cargo Hold Structures and Cleaning Requirements
Structure | Common Issues | Cleaning Approach |
|---|---|---|
Tank tops | Bulk cargo deposits, stains, corrosion pits | Robotic hydroblasting + chemical descalers |
Bulkheads | Dust, grain residues, mineral scaling | Robotic cleaning + detergent wash |
Stringers/frames | Corrosion, hard scale buildup | Manual hydrojetting + scraping |
Corners/ladders | Inaccessible by robots, compact residues | Shore gang hydrojets + brushing + inspection |
Cleaning Process Workflow
Step 1 — Sweeping and Mucking Out
Removal of bulk residues with shovels, vacuums, and mechanical sweepers.
Essential for cargoes such as coal, clinker, cement, and petcoke.
Step 2 — Pre-Washing
Initial rinsing with salt or fresh water.
Reduces dust and loosens compacted residues.
Step 3 — Hydroblasting
Robotic Hydroblasting Units
500 BAR (7,250 PSI), flow rate up to 30 L/min.
Cleans 5 holds within 36 hours.
Consistent coverage of tank tops and bulkheads.
Shore Gang Hydroblasting
Portable nozzles (fan jet, rotary).
Targets ladders, corners, stringers, and inaccessible structures.
Provides flexibility for grain clean inspections.
Step 4 — Chemical Application
Biodegradable detergents for general cleaning.
Cargo-specific solutions:
Alkaline degreasers → oily coal residues (petcoke, metcoke).
Neutral detergents → grain/sugar cargos (to meet USDA/GAFTA standards).
Acidic descalers → clinker, cement incrustations.
Neutralizers → fertilizers and salts.
Rust Treatment: application of phosphating solutions to remove corrosion and passivate steel surfaces.
Step 5 — Final Rinsing and Drying
Freshwater rinsing to eliminate chemical traces.
Ventilation and drying with blowers to avoid humidity before loading steel coils or grains.
Step 6 — Inspection and Certification
Independent surveyor verifies compliance.
Certificates issued for grain clean or hospital clean standards.
Residue Types and Treatment
Residue Type | Source Cargo | Treatment Method |
|---|---|---|
Loose scale | General bulk cargo | Hydrojetting + manual scraping |
Hard scale | Clinker, cement, minerals | Acidic/alcaline descalers + hydroblasting |
Oily residues | Petcoke, metcoke | Alkaline degreasers + detergent wash |
Dust deposits | Coal, fertilizers, grain | Sweeping + pre-wash + detergent |
Rust/staining | Salt, fertilizers, moisture | Hydrojetting + phosphating passivation |
Odor | Fertilizers, veg. oils | Deodorizing agents + ventilation |
Cargo Readiness Standards
Shovel clean → coarse removal of visible cargo residues.
Brush clean → manual brushing of bulkheads and corners.
Water clean → full hydrojet washdown.
Grain clean → compliance with USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA: free from rust flakes, odors, infestation, or residue.
Hospital clean → maximum standard for foodstuffs and steel coils: no rust, stains, or humidity allowed.
Cargo-Specific Standards
Cargo Type | Cleaning Challenge | Required Standard & Method |
|---|---|---|
Clinker/Cement | Hard incrustations | Acidic descalers + intensive hydroblasting |
Coal (Dry) | Fine conductive dust | Sweeping + hydrojetting + detailed corner cleaning |
Coal (Oily: Petcoke/Metcoke) | Sticky oily residues + odor | Alkaline degreasers + deodorizing + fresh rinse |
Salt | Corrosive, hygroscopic residues | Neutralizers + phosphating passivation |
Fertilizers | Acidic/alkaline residues, odor | Neutralization + deodorizing + drying |
Steel Coils | Risk of rust and staining | Hospital clean + phosphating treatment |
Sugar/Grains | Organic residues, mold, odor | Grain clean standard with neutral detergents |
Operational Highlights
180,000+ cargo holds cleaned in 45 years.
95% reduction in laycan downtime documented.
Nationwide presence: Santos, Itaqui, Vitória, Paranaguá, and more.
Photo/video reporting in real time for transparency.
Compliance with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, USDA, GAFTA, NAEGA, Britannia P&I.
Service Commitment
“No Cure, No Pay”
Seachios® guarantees performance: services are charged only upon verified completion and surveyor approval.
Cargo Hold Cleaning — Technical Specification
Integrated Framework
Seachios® employs a hybrid methodology that combines robotic hydroblasting at 500 BAR (≈7,250 PSI), shore gang cleaning teams, and cargo-specific chemical treatment. This integrated approach ensures full coverage of cargo hold structures, operational compliance, and readiness for sensitive cargoes.
Cargo Hold Structures and Cleaning Requirements
Structure | Common Issues | Cleaning Approach |
|---|---|---|
Tank tops | Bulk cargo deposits, stains, corrosion pits | Robotic hydroblasting + chemical descalers |
Bulkheads | Dust, grain residues, mineral scaling | Robotic cleaning + detergent wash |
Stringers/frames | Corrosion, hard scale buildup | Manual hydrojetting + scraping |
Corners/ladders | Inaccessible by robots, compact residues | Shore gang hydrojets + brushing + inspection |
Cleaning Process Workflow
Step 1 — Sweeping and Mucking Out
Removal of bulk residues with shovels, vacuums, and mechanical sweepers.
Essential for cargoes such as coal, clinker, cement, and petcoke.
Step 2 — Pre-Washing
Initial rinsing with salt or fresh water.
Reduces dust and loosens compacted residues.
Step 3 — Hydroblasting
Robotic Hydroblasting Units
500 BAR (7,250 PSI), flow rate up to 30 L/min.
Cleans 5 holds within 36 hours.
Consistent coverage of tank tops and bulkheads.
Shore Gang Hydroblasting
Portable nozzles (fan jet, rotary).
Targets ladders, corners, stringers, and inaccessible structures.
Provides flexibility for grain clean inspections.
Step 4 — Chemical Application
Biodegradable detergents for general cleaning.
Cargo-specific solutions:
Alkaline degreasers → oily coal residues (petcoke, metcoke).
Neutral detergents → grain/sugar cargos (to meet USDA/GAFTA standards).
Acidic descalers → clinker, cement incrustations.
Neutralizers → fertilizers and salts.
Rust Treatment: application of phosphating solutions to remove corrosion and passivate steel surfaces.
Step 5 — Final Rinsing and Drying
Freshwater rinsing to eliminate chemical traces.
Ventilation and drying with blowers to avoid humidity before loading steel coils or grains.
Step 6 — Inspection and Certification
Independent surveyor verifies compliance.
Certificates issued for grain clean or hospital clean standards.
Residue Types and Treatment
Residue Type | Source Cargo | Treatment Method |
|---|---|---|
Loose scale | General bulk cargo | Hydrojetting + manual scraping |
Hard scale | Clinker, cement, minerals | Acidic/alcaline descalers + hydroblasting |
Oily residues | Petcoke, metcoke | Alkaline degreasers + detergent wash |
Dust deposits | Coal, fertilizers, grain | Sweeping + pre-wash + detergent |
Rust/staining | Salt, fertilizers, moisture | Hydrojetting + phosphating passivation |
Odor | Fertilizers, veg. oils | Deodorizing agents + ventilation |
Cargo Readiness Standards
Shovel clean → coarse removal of visible cargo residues.
Brush clean → manual brushing of bulkheads and corners.
Water clean → full hydrojet washdown.
Grain clean → compliance with USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA: free from rust flakes, odors, infestation, or residue.
Hospital clean → maximum standard for foodstuffs and steel coils: no rust, stains, or humidity allowed.
Cargo-Specific Standards
Cargo Type | Cleaning Challenge | Required Standard & Method |
|---|---|---|
Clinker/Cement | Hard incrustations | Acidic descalers + intensive hydroblasting |
Coal (Dry) | Fine conductive dust | Sweeping + hydrojetting + detailed corner cleaning |
Coal (Oily: Petcoke/Metcoke) | Sticky oily residues + odor | Alkaline degreasers + deodorizing + fresh rinse |
Salt | Corrosive, hygroscopic residues | Neutralizers + phosphating passivation |
Fertilizers | Acidic/alkaline residues, odor | Neutralization + deodorizing + drying |
Steel Coils | Risk of rust and staining | Hospital clean + phosphating treatment |
Sugar/Grains | Organic residues, mold, odor | Grain clean standard with neutral detergents |
Operational Highlights
180,000+ cargo holds cleaned in 45 years.
95% reduction in laycan downtime documented.
Nationwide presence: Santos, Itaqui, Vitória, Paranaguá, and more.
Photo/video reporting in real time for transparency.
Compliance with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, USDA, GAFTA, NAEGA, Britannia P&I.
Service Commitment
“No Cure, No Pay”
Seachios® guarantees performance: services are charged only upon verified completion and surveyor approval.
Cargo Hold Cleaning — Technical Specification
Integrated Framework
Seachios® employs a hybrid methodology that combines robotic hydroblasting at 500 BAR (≈7,250 PSI), shore gang cleaning teams, and cargo-specific chemical treatment. This integrated approach ensures full coverage of cargo hold structures, operational compliance, and readiness for sensitive cargoes.
Cargo Hold Structures and Cleaning Requirements
Structure | Common Issues | Cleaning Approach |
|---|---|---|
Tank tops | Bulk cargo deposits, stains, corrosion pits | Robotic hydroblasting + chemical descalers |
Bulkheads | Dust, grain residues, mineral scaling | Robotic cleaning + detergent wash |
Stringers/frames | Corrosion, hard scale buildup | Manual hydrojetting + scraping |
Corners/ladders | Inaccessible by robots, compact residues | Shore gang hydrojets + brushing + inspection |
Cleaning Process Workflow
Step 1 — Sweeping and Mucking Out
Removal of bulk residues with shovels, vacuums, and mechanical sweepers.
Essential for cargoes such as coal, clinker, cement, and petcoke.
Step 2 — Pre-Washing
Initial rinsing with salt or fresh water.
Reduces dust and loosens compacted residues.
Step 3 — Hydroblasting
Robotic Hydroblasting Units
500 BAR (7,250 PSI), flow rate up to 30 L/min.
Cleans 5 holds within 36 hours.
Consistent coverage of tank tops and bulkheads.
Shore Gang Hydroblasting
Portable nozzles (fan jet, rotary).
Targets ladders, corners, stringers, and inaccessible structures.
Provides flexibility for grain clean inspections.
Step 4 — Chemical Application
Biodegradable detergents for general cleaning.
Cargo-specific solutions:
Alkaline degreasers → oily coal residues (petcoke, metcoke).
Neutral detergents → grain/sugar cargos (to meet USDA/GAFTA standards).
Acidic descalers → clinker, cement incrustations.
Neutralizers → fertilizers and salts.
Rust Treatment: application of phosphating solutions to remove corrosion and passivate steel surfaces.
Step 5 — Final Rinsing and Drying
Freshwater rinsing to eliminate chemical traces.
Ventilation and drying with blowers to avoid humidity before loading steel coils or grains.
Step 6 — Inspection and Certification
Independent surveyor verifies compliance.
Certificates issued for grain clean or hospital clean standards.
Residue Types and Treatment
Residue Type | Source Cargo | Treatment Method |
|---|---|---|
Loose scale | General bulk cargo | Hydrojetting + manual scraping |
Hard scale | Clinker, cement, minerals | Acidic/alcaline descalers + hydroblasting |
Oily residues | Petcoke, metcoke | Alkaline degreasers + detergent wash |
Dust deposits | Coal, fertilizers, grain | Sweeping + pre-wash + detergent |
Rust/staining | Salt, fertilizers, moisture | Hydrojetting + phosphating passivation |
Odor | Fertilizers, veg. oils | Deodorizing agents + ventilation |
Cargo Readiness Standards
Shovel clean → coarse removal of visible cargo residues.
Brush clean → manual brushing of bulkheads and corners.
Water clean → full hydrojet washdown.
Grain clean → compliance with USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA: free from rust flakes, odors, infestation, or residue.
Hospital clean → maximum standard for foodstuffs and steel coils: no rust, stains, or humidity allowed.
Cargo-Specific Standards
Cargo Type | Cleaning Challenge | Required Standard & Method |
|---|---|---|
Clinker/Cement | Hard incrustations | Acidic descalers + intensive hydroblasting |
Coal (Dry) | Fine conductive dust | Sweeping + hydrojetting + detailed corner cleaning |
Coal (Oily: Petcoke/Metcoke) | Sticky oily residues + odor | Alkaline degreasers + deodorizing + fresh rinse |
Salt | Corrosive, hygroscopic residues | Neutralizers + phosphating passivation |
Fertilizers | Acidic/alkaline residues, odor | Neutralization + deodorizing + drying |
Steel Coils | Risk of rust and staining | Hospital clean + phosphating treatment |
Sugar/Grains | Organic residues, mold, odor | Grain clean standard with neutral detergents |
Operational Highlights
180,000+ cargo holds cleaned in 45 years.
95% reduction in laycan downtime documented.
Nationwide presence: Santos, Itaqui, Vitória, Paranaguá, and more.
Photo/video reporting in real time for transparency.
Compliance with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, USDA, GAFTA, NAEGA, Britannia P&I.
Service Commitment
“No Cure, No Pay”
Seachios® guarantees performance: services are charged only upon verified completion and surveyor approval.
Frequenly asked questions
Frequenly asked questions
Frequenly asked questions
What standards govern Seachios® cargo hold cleaning?
All operations comply with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, and Britannia P&I guidelines, as well as USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA grain standards.
What is the difference between Grain Clean and Hospital Clean?
Grain Clean: holds free from rust flakes, odor, infestation, residues; USDA/GAFTA compliant.
Hospital Clean: maximum standard for sensitive cargo (foodstuffs, steel coils) — no rust, stains, or moisture tolerated.
How are robotic cleaning units different from shore gang cleaning?
Robotic units (500 BAR / 7,250 PSI) clean up to five holds in 36 hours, while shore gangs ensure precision in ladders, corners, and stringers.
What chemicals are used in the cleaning process?
Biodegradable detergents and descalers, tailored to cargo: alkaline for oily residues, acidic for clinker, neutral for grains, plus phosphating for rust passivation.
How are residues and wash water managed?
Solid residues are swept, vacuumed, or shoveled. Wash water and chemicals are discharged only through Port Reception Facilities (PRF), in full MARPOL compliance.
How is rust treated during hold cleaning?
Loose scale is removed with hydrojets and scraping. Hard scale and stains are treated with descalers, followed by phosphating passivation.
What cargoes require specialized cleaning methods?
Clinker and cement → acidic descalers + hydroblasting.
Petcoke/metcoke → alkaline degreasers + deodorizing.
Salt → neutralizers + phosphating.
Grains/sugar → neutral detergents + Grain Clean.
Steel coils → Hospital Clean.
What documentation is provided after cleaning?
Clients receive photo/video records, operational logs, and surveyor-approved cleanliness certificates.
What is the “No Cure, No Pay” policy?
Services are charged only if the cleaning operation is successfully completed and surveyor-approved.
What standards govern Seachios® cargo hold cleaning?
All operations comply with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, and Britannia P&I guidelines, as well as USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA grain standards.
What is the difference between Grain Clean and Hospital Clean?
Grain Clean: holds free from rust flakes, odor, infestation, residues; USDA/GAFTA compliant.
Hospital Clean: maximum standard for sensitive cargo (foodstuffs, steel coils) — no rust, stains, or moisture tolerated.
How are robotic cleaning units different from shore gang cleaning?
Robotic units (500 BAR / 7,250 PSI) clean up to five holds in 36 hours, while shore gangs ensure precision in ladders, corners, and stringers.
What chemicals are used in the cleaning process?
Biodegradable detergents and descalers, tailored to cargo: alkaline for oily residues, acidic for clinker, neutral for grains, plus phosphating for rust passivation.
How are residues and wash water managed?
Solid residues are swept, vacuumed, or shoveled. Wash water and chemicals are discharged only through Port Reception Facilities (PRF), in full MARPOL compliance.
How is rust treated during hold cleaning?
Loose scale is removed with hydrojets and scraping. Hard scale and stains are treated with descalers, followed by phosphating passivation.
What cargoes require specialized cleaning methods?
Clinker and cement → acidic descalers + hydroblasting.
Petcoke/metcoke → alkaline degreasers + deodorizing.
Salt → neutralizers + phosphating.
Grains/sugar → neutral detergents + Grain Clean.
Steel coils → Hospital Clean.
What documentation is provided after cleaning?
Clients receive photo/video records, operational logs, and surveyor-approved cleanliness certificates.
What is the “No Cure, No Pay” policy?
Services are charged only if the cleaning operation is successfully completed and surveyor-approved.
What standards govern Seachios® cargo hold cleaning?
All operations comply with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, and Britannia P&I guidelines, as well as USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA grain standards.
What is the difference between Grain Clean and Hospital Clean?
Grain Clean: holds free from rust flakes, odor, infestation, residues; USDA/GAFTA compliant.
Hospital Clean: maximum standard for sensitive cargo (foodstuffs, steel coils) — no rust, stains, or moisture tolerated.
How are robotic cleaning units different from shore gang cleaning?
Robotic units (500 BAR / 7,250 PSI) clean up to five holds in 36 hours, while shore gangs ensure precision in ladders, corners, and stringers.
What chemicals are used in the cleaning process?
Biodegradable detergents and descalers, tailored to cargo: alkaline for oily residues, acidic for clinker, neutral for grains, plus phosphating for rust passivation.
How are residues and wash water managed?
Solid residues are swept, vacuumed, or shoveled. Wash water and chemicals are discharged only through Port Reception Facilities (PRF), in full MARPOL compliance.
How is rust treated during hold cleaning?
Loose scale is removed with hydrojets and scraping. Hard scale and stains are treated with descalers, followed by phosphating passivation.
What cargoes require specialized cleaning methods?
Clinker and cement → acidic descalers + hydroblasting.
Petcoke/metcoke → alkaline degreasers + deodorizing.
Salt → neutralizers + phosphating.
Grains/sugar → neutral detergents + Grain Clean.
Steel coils → Hospital Clean.
What documentation is provided after cleaning?
Clients receive photo/video records, operational logs, and surveyor-approved cleanliness certificates.
What is the “No Cure, No Pay” policy?
Services are charged only if the cleaning operation is successfully completed and surveyor-approved.
Final Considerations
Seachios® Cargo Hold Cleaning integrates robotic hydroblasting, shore gang precision, and specialized chemical treatments to deliver consistent results across Brazil’s major ports. With more than 180,000 holds cleaned in 45 years, the service has become a benchmark in efficiency and compliance, achieving laycan reductions of up to 95%.
By aligning with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA requirements, Seachios® ensures that vessels are always survey-ready for grain or hospital standards. The combination of rust removal, phosphating passivation, and cargo-specific cleaning protocols prepares holds for sensitive commodities ranging from grains and sugar to clinker, petcoke, fertilizers, and steel coils.
“No Cure, No Pay” is not just a policy but a commitment to accountability and operational reliability, ensuring that shipowners, operators, and charterers receive services that meet the highest international standards.
Final Considerations
Seachios® Cargo Hold Cleaning integrates robotic hydroblasting, shore gang precision, and specialized chemical treatments to deliver consistent results across Brazil’s major ports. With more than 180,000 holds cleaned in 45 years, the service has become a benchmark in efficiency and compliance, achieving laycan reductions of up to 95%.
By aligning with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA requirements, Seachios® ensures that vessels are always survey-ready for grain or hospital standards. The combination of rust removal, phosphating passivation, and cargo-specific cleaning protocols prepares holds for sensitive commodities ranging from grains and sugar to clinker, petcoke, fertilizers, and steel coils.
“No Cure, No Pay” is not just a policy but a commitment to accountability and operational reliability, ensuring that shipowners, operators, and charterers receive services that meet the highest international standards.
Final Considerations
Seachios® Cargo Hold Cleaning integrates robotic hydroblasting, shore gang precision, and specialized chemical treatments to deliver consistent results across Brazil’s major ports. With more than 180,000 holds cleaned in 45 years, the service has become a benchmark in efficiency and compliance, achieving laycan reductions of up to 95%.
By aligning with MARPOL Annex V, SOLAS, Port State Control, USDA, GAFTA, and NAEGA requirements, Seachios® ensures that vessels are always survey-ready for grain or hospital standards. The combination of rust removal, phosphating passivation, and cargo-specific cleaning protocols prepares holds for sensitive commodities ranging from grains and sugar to clinker, petcoke, fertilizers, and steel coils.
“No Cure, No Pay” is not just a policy but a commitment to accountability and operational reliability, ensuring that shipowners, operators, and charterers receive services that meet the highest international standards.
Other Services
Other Services
Other Services
Sometimes the hardest part is reaching out — but once you do, we’ll make the rest easy.
Opening Hours
Mon to Sat: 9.00am - 8.30pm
Sun: Closed
©2025. All rights reserved.
Sometimes the hardest part is reaching out — but once you do, we’ll make the rest easy.
Opening Hours
Mon to Sat: 9.00am - 8.30pm
Sun: Closed
©2025. All rights reserved.
Sometimes the hardest part is reaching out — but once you do, we’ll make the rest easy.
Opening Hours
Mon to Sat: 9.00am - 8.30pm
Sun: Closed
©2025. All rights reserved.