Stitch in Time

Pre Loading Hold and Weather Tight Integrity Inspection:

Although in recent years, the holds have become flusher but the hold heights increased without much available research or guidance to the shipping industry to overcome the added problem of height in cleaning and washing holds during sea voyage. Simultaneously, the modus operandi has shifted to multiple short subletting on Voyage Charter, thus the vessels are obliged to load dirty and clean cargo in succession. The Hold Inspections by Loading Terminals got stricter, only to add difficulty to an already hampered venture.

The Ship Operators found a temporary way out, by employing shore based cleaning teams while the ship awaits at anchor without serving NOR. Then they found out that, in countries like Brazil, where English is not a common language, the Ship Crew cannot orientate the Shore Cleaning Crew to get the desired result. In spite of employing Shore Cleaning Crew with High Pressure Cleaning Systems and Chemicals, and Translators, the ships were failed by Loading Terminal Inspectors, and for good reasons. After five voyages with Coal, then going for Soybean in Brazil, there obviously be some special issues that a mere translator cannot resolve.

We are familiar with the existing Cleaning teams in operation in Brazil, and together with the Ship´s Crew, we have been able to pass all inspections till date. Our advices on Chemical and dilution, together with spots to take care of, Painting when necessary etc have been crucial to save time and attain satisfaction of Terminal Inspectors. In effect, we become part of the Crew on board working towards the same goal of the Principal, imparting our knowledge and experience of the Bilge Cleaning Years.

The Water Tight Integrity checks are done together with Crew and remedial advice also imparted simultaneously, to save time.