Avoiding common


cargo hold issues The preparation and maintenance of cargo holds are very important for the bulk cargo trade. As Kate Richards, Senior Solicitor (FD&D), North Club explains, “when holds are not ready for their intended cargo, a number of different types of claim may arise”.


Beneteau pursuing a sustainable approach to boatbuilding


Beneteau is looking to reduce the environmental impact of sailing by choosing greener alternatives for both build and propulsion. The First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts are built with recyclable resin, electric or hybrid power and teak alternatives, a big step forward in the aim of achieving sustainable boatbuilding.


“Reducing the environmental footprint of the nautical industry is a succession of challenges and small steps,” said Jean-François Lair, managing director, Beneteau.


“A demand for a new style of sailing is emerging. It is our responsibility to pave the way and not to impose changes in the way we sail, but to make them possible.”


With the First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e, Beneteau is exploring reducing sailing carbon footprint by offering two different types of electric engines developed in partnership with Torqeedo. It is powered with a Torqeedo series hybrid propulsion system. The batteries can be recharged either at harbour or at sea with a diesel generator. It offers great energy autonomy at anchor since the service batteries can be recharged by the engine’s 20 kilowatt battery bank. Beneteau’s Oceanis 30.1e meanwhile has an all-electric Torqeedo engine. Based on a Torqeedo pod, the 5kW battery can be recharged at harbour or by solar panels.


On the deck of the First 44e, teak cladding has been replaced by Iroko from FSC certified forests in Congo. This new alternative product is more environmentally friendly, while guaranteeing the same resistance, feeling on touch and fading to a pleasant natural shade over time, comparable with teak.


Taking a look at the risks associated with bulk cargo trade, Ms. Richards assessed some of the most frequent topics with a view to helping operators avoid them.


Standards of Hold Cleanliness


Although not standardised across jurisdictions, the accepted standards are broadly as follows:


Hospital Clean: This is the most stringent. This requires all hold surfaces to have 100% intact coatings.


Grain Clean: The holds must be clean from previous cargo residue, odours, insects, loose rust scale and paint flakes. Atmospheric rusting of exposed steel is generally accepted. Prior to loading, holds must be clean swept, washed down with fresh water, dried and well-ventilated.


Normal Clean: The holds must be swept to remove residues of the previous cargo, washed down and ready to receive a similar cargo.


Shovel Clean: The holds do not require washing but should be swept down.


Disposal of cargo residues and excess cargo Ms. Richards explains that any excess cargo, cargo residues, washwater and cleaning products must be disposed of in accordance with MARPOL and local regulations.


A practical consideration of key importance is how these are to be disposed of. Some of the factors to consider are:


- Is there a cargo residue clause in the charterparty? - Who is responsible for disposal?


- Is there any indication on the cargo declaration that the cargo is harmful?


- Are any of the cleaning agents used in the hold harmful?


- Are there any disposal restrictions in port (such as whether the vessel in a MARPOL Special Area)?


- Does any wash water need to be disposed of in a reception facility?


- Does the vessel require a garbage/residue management plan?


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