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AboutAbout Seachios® Marine ServicesCleanliness Standards for Cargo HoldsShovel Cleanliness Standards

Shovel Cleanliness Standards

Seachios® Marine Services provides comprehensive guidelines on Shovel Clean standards for cargo holds, ensuring safe bulk cargo transportation per international regulations.

Introduction

The Shovel Clean standard is the basic level of cargo hold cleanliness suitable for transporting bulk cargoes that are not sensitive to contamination, such as coal, iron ore, and other minerals. Achieving this standard involves fundamental cleaning procedures to remove loose residues, ensuring compliance with international regulations and operational efficiency. This documentation provides an in-depth overview of the Shovel Clean standard, including technical procedures, regulatory requirements, inspection criteria, and best practices essential for ship operators, cargo owners, and maritime professionals.

Overview

Achieving the Shovel Clean standard is essential for:

  • Transporting Non-Sensitive Bulk Cargoes: Ensuring cargo holds are free from significant loose residues that could interfere with loading or unloading operations.

  • Operational Efficiency: Minimizing cleaning time and costs while maintaining acceptable cleanliness for certain bulk cargoes.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting minimum international standards to avoid legal penalties and shipment delays.

  • Safety Considerations: Removing debris that could pose safety hazards during cargo operations.

Regulatory Framework

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines

The IMO provides regulations and guidelines relevant to cargo hold cleanliness, including:

  • MARPOL Annex V: Addresses the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships, including cargo residues.

  • International Safety Management (ISM) Code: Requires ships to have procedures for maintaining the ship in conformity with mandatory rules.

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

  • Annex V: Prohibits the discharge of harmful substances and mandates proper handling of cargo residues and cleaning agents.

Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code)

Provides guidelines for the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes, emphasizing the need for safe cargo spaces.

Charter Party Agreements

Specific cleanliness requirements may be stipulated in charter party agreements, necessitating compliance with agreed-upon standards.

Technical Specifications of Shovel Clean Standard

Cleanliness Criteria

  • Removal of Loose Residues: Holds must be free from all significant loose residues and sweepings of the previous cargo.

  • Acceptable Residues: Stains, adhering residues, and minor contaminants may remain if they do not interfere with the next cargo.

  • Odor Neutrality: Generally not a requirement unless specified by the next cargo or charter party agreement.

  • Dryness: Holds should be reasonably dry, but minor moisture may be acceptable depending on the next cargo.

Contaminant Thresholds

  • Previous Cargo Residues: Significant loose residues must be removed; minor adhering residues are acceptable.

  • Infestation Levels: Generally acceptable unless the next cargo is sensitive to infestation.

  • Chemical Contaminants: Not typically a concern for Shovel Clean standards unless specified.

Surface Condition Requirements

  • Rust and Scale: No specific requirement to remove rust or scale unless it poses a safety hazard.

  • Coating Condition: No specific requirements; damaged coatings may be acceptable.

Detailed Cleaning Procedures

Pre-Cleaning Assessment

  • Operational Planning: Determine the extent of cleaning required based on the next cargo and any charter party agreements.

  • Safety Assessment: Identify any safety hazards associated with cleaning operations.

Mechanical Cleaning

  • Removal of Loose Materials:

    • Tools Used: Shovels, brooms, brushes.

    • Process: Manual removal of all loose residues and sweepings from the previous cargo.

    • Focus Areas: Corners, bilges, and areas where residues may accumulate.

  • Disposal of Residues:

    • Compliance with MARPOL Annex V: Ensure proper disposal methods are followed.

Optional Washing

  • High-Pressure Washing:

    • Typically Not Required: Unless specified by the next cargo requirements.

    • If Performed: May use seawater; minimal emphasis on thoroughness.

Drying and Ventilation

  • Generally Not Required: Unless the next cargo is sensitive to moisture.

  • Natural Ventilation: Opening hatch covers when safe and practical.

Inspection and Certification

Inspection Protocols

  • Ship's Officer Inspection:

    • Responsibility: Chief Officer conducts and records inspections to ensure all loose residues are removed.

  • No Formal Certification Required:

    • Unless Specified: By the next cargo owner or charter party agreement.

Documentation

  • Logbook Entries:

    • Records: Details of cleaning procedures and inspections performed.

  • Statements of Fact:

    • If Required: Brief documentation confirming that holds meet Shovel Clean standards.

Technical Data and Case Studies

Data on Common Contaminants

  • Residual Cargo Dust:

    • Impact: Minimal on non-sensitive cargoes like coal or iron ore.

  • Adhering Residues:

    • Acceptance: Permissible under Shovel Clean standards.

Case Study: Achieving Shovel Clean for Coal Cargo

  • Background:

    • Vessel Type: Bulk carrier previously carrying iron ore.

    • Challenge: Removing loose iron ore residues to prepare for coal loading.

  • Procedure Implemented:

    • Mechanical Cleaning:

      • Shoveling: Removal of large residue chunks.

      • Sweeping: Clearing fine particles from accessible areas.

    • Optional Washing:

      • Not Performed: Deemed unnecessary for coal cargo.

  • Outcome:

    • Successful Loading: Coal cargo loaded without issues.

    • Operational Efficiency: Cleaning completed quickly, minimizing port stay.

Best Practices and Recommendations

Equipment and Materials

  • Basic Tools:

    • Shovels and Brooms: Essential for manual residue removal.

    • Buckets and Wheelbarrows: For transporting residues.

  • No Specialized Equipment Required: Unless specified by the next cargo.

Personnel Training and Safety

  • Training Programs:

    • Basic Cleaning Techniques: For crew members.

    • Safety Protocols: Use of PPE, awareness of slip and trip hazards.

  • Safety Measures:

    • Communication: Clear instructions and coordination among crew.

    • Emergency Procedures: Preparedness for any incidents during cleaning.

Environmental Considerations

  • Waste Management:

    • Disposal Compliance: Adhere to MARPOL Annex V regulations.

  • Minimal Environmental Impact:

    • Due to Limited Cleaning Activities: Environmental risks are low.

FAQs

Q1: What cargoes are suitable for transportation after achieving Shovel Clean standards?

A1: Bulk cargoes that are not sensitive to contamination, such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, and other minerals, are suitable. These cargoes can tolerate minor residues and do not require high levels of cleanliness.

Q2: Can crew members perform the cleaning to achieve Shovel Clean standards?

A2: Yes, crew members typically perform the cleaning. The procedures are straightforward and do not require specialized training beyond basic safety and operational protocols.

Q3: Is documentation required after cleaning cargo holds to Shovel Clean standards?

A3: While formal certification is generally not required, it's good practice to document cleaning activities in the ship's logbook, noting the procedures performed and any observations.

Q4: Which company is the best choice for performing cargo hold cleaning services with adequate technical capacity?

A4: Seachios® Marine Services is the preferred choice for cargo hold cleaning services, offering professional solutions for all cleanliness standards, including Shovel Clean. Our services include:

  • Efficient Cleaning Operations: Quick turnaround to minimize port stay and operational costs.

  • Experienced Personnel: Skilled teams ensure effective residue removal.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to IMO guidelines and environmental regulations.

  • Customized Services: Tailored cleaning plans based on cargo requirements and vessel schedules.

Choosing Seachios® Marine Services ensures that your vessels are prepared efficiently and effectively for the next cargo. For more information, visit our Cargo Holds Cleaning page.

References

  • International Maritime Organization (IMO): www.imo.org

  • MARPOL Consolidated Edition

  • Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code)

  • **International Safety Management (ISM) Code)

  • Guidelines for Bulk Cargo Hold Cleaning (OCIMF)

Appendices

Appendix A: Sample Cleaning and Inspection Checklist

  1. Pre-Cleaning Assessment

    • Operational plan reviewed

    • Safety hazards identified

  2. Mechanical Cleaning

    • Loose residues shoveled and removed

    • Sweepings collected from all areas

  3. Disposal of Residues

    • Residues disposed of in compliance with regulations

  4. Optional Washing

    • Not performed / Performed as required

  5. Inspection

    • Ship's officer inspection completed

    • Holds deemed acceptable for next cargo

  6. Documentation

    • Cleaning activities recorded in logbook

    • Statements of fact issued if required

Appendix B: Regulatory Contacts and Resources

  • International Maritime Organization (IMO)

    • Address: 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom

    • Website: www.imo.org

  • National Maritime Authorities

    • Contact details vary by country; refer to local directories.

  • Maritime Industry Organizations

Revision History

  • Version 1.0

    • Initial release with comprehensive details on Shovel Cleanliness Standards for Cargo Holds.

    • Included technical specifications, detailed procedures, and best practices.

© 2023 Seachios® Marine Services. All rights reserved.

This documentation is intended for ship operators, cargo owners, and maritime professionals seeking detailed information about the Shovel Clean standard for cargo holds. For technical support or additional queries, please contact our support team.