Cargo Hold Cleaning & Surface Preparation
Hold Cleaning, Blasting, Coating & Readiness for Bulk Carriers & General Cargo Vessels
A contaminated or poorly prepared cargo hold costs vessel operators money in two ways — failed charterer inspections that delay loading, and cargo contamination claims that follow discharge. Sealion's hold cleaning division eliminates both risks. We operate specialized equipment including high-pressure washing units, mechanical sweepers, and aerial work platforms to deliver thorough, fast, and certified hold preparation for bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, and specialized ships of all sizes. Whether your vessel is discharging fertilizer in Aqaba, coal in Basra, or grain in any regional port — our teams board immediately after discharge and work against your loading window, not against it. Every clean is followed by a readiness inspection and, where required, independent surveyor attendance support.
- Fertilizer cargo hold cleaning — residue elimination and contamination prevention
- Coal residue removal — dust, deposits and fine particle extraction from all hold surfaces
- Grain standard preparation — cleaning to NGC/GAFTA surveyor acceptance requirements
- Chemical cargo hold decontamination using approved safety protocols
- High-pressure washing and deep cleaning of all hold surfaces and frames
- Tank cleaning — inspection, cleaning and preparation of storage compartments
- Surface preparation and sand blasting — rust removal and steel surface treatment
- Cargo hold painting and protective marine coating application
- Steel grit blasting for industrial structures and port facilities
- Cargo hold readiness verification and independent surveyor attendance support
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our cargo hold cleaning & surface preparation — if you need further information please contact our operations team directly.
Our teams are port-based in Aqaba and Basra, which means we can board a vessel within 1 to 2 hours of receiving clearance after discharge. We understand that vessel scheduling is driven by port windows and tide tables — we plan our operations around your loading deadline, not the other way around.
Yes. We prepare cargo holds specifically to meet NGC and GAFTA grain inspection requirements, including full sweep cleaning, frame and stiffener descaling, bilge cleaning, and presentation of the hold for surveyor inspection. We have a strong record of first-time pass rates for grain readiness surveys.
Yes. Our teams are trained in chemical cargo residue handling and decontamination procedures. We follow approved safety protocols for cleaning holds and tanks that have carried chemical, petroleum, or hazardous cargoes, with full documentation for the vessel's records.
Yes. Following surface preparation and sand blasting, we apply approved protective coatings and cargo hold paint systems to enhance corrosion resistance, extend structural life, and meet cargo carriage requirements. We supply and apply paints from leading marine coating manufacturers.