Hold, Tank & Vessel Cleaning
Cargo Ship Hold, Tank & Vessel Cleaning at Port and Sea
Professional Hold, Tank, and Vessel services are available for cargo ships operating in Khorfakkan, Hamriya, Fujairah, Sharjah (UAE) and across Colombo, Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Galle (Sri Lanka). Astern Marine’s trained teams handle each project with precision, ensuring high hygiene standards and full compliance with international maritime regulations.
Cargo Ship Hold Cleaning and Preparation – Our Core Strength
Proper hold preparation is a critical step in bulk carrier operations before loading the next cargo. This process requires careful planning, correct methods, and efficient execution. When done poorly, it can lead to cargo contamination, failed surveys, loss of hire, and disputes in charter party agreements.
Our team provides complete Hold and Preparation services to ready cargo spaces for the next loading. They manage residue removal, washing, drying, and final inspections to meet cargo-specific standards. Every operation is supervised by qualified marine engineers who understand port regulations and vessel requirements.
Additionally, the riding crew can perform hold preparation at sea during voyages, helping shipowners save valuable port time. They handle rust removal, residue sweeping, and surface washing using approved chemicals and advanced tools. Each step follows strict safety protocols and is guided by supercargo instructions.
Moreover, compliance with MARPOL Annex V is always maintained. This regulation governs the discharge of cargo residues and washing water. All chemicals used by the team are MARPOL Annex V approved, ensuring environmental safety and reliable performance.
Tank Cleaning Services
Comprehensive Tank solutions are available for cargo and ballast tanks, both at port and during voyages. Experience covers chemical tankers, oil carriers, and bulk vessels. The company’s expertise includes residue removal, sludge disposal, and full tank readiness certification.
Tank Cleaning Services at Port
Operations teams manage complete tank preparation and restoration for cargo vessels during port stays. They handle de-mucking, sludge removal, and surface treatment using high-pressure systems and approved products. Every operation is performed under strict safety rules and port guidelines. With certified manpower and detailed reporting, Astern Marine ensures tanks are ready for inspection, loading, or maintenance—helping shipowners reduce downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
Specialized Tank Services
- De-mucking and residue removal
- Tailor-made tank service plans with timelines and budgets
- High-pressure and chemical washing of tanks
- Scaffolding and rope access for height areas
- Safe disposal of sludge and slops to IMO-approved facilities
- Post-operation reports and certifications accepted by oil majors, terminals, and shipowners
- Skilled manpower trained specifically for tank service operations
Supercargo remote assistance for continuous monitoring and documentation
Vessel Cleaning and Maintenance
As part of its operations, the company provides exterior and interior Vessel services. These include deck washing, bilge area treatment, and general maintenance. The goal is to maintain vessel appearance, efficiency, and safety.
With modern tools and highly trained teams, every vessel remains in optimal condition during port calls or sea operations.
Waste Disposal
Reliable waste management operations support cargo and commercial vessels in Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Sharjah, Hamriya (UAE) and across Sri Lankan ports including Colombo, Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Galle. The company collects, treats, and disposes of sludge, bilge, and galley waste following MARPOL Annex V and port environmental rules. All waste is delivered to IMO-approved facilities, ensuring safe, sustainable, and fully documented disposal for shipowners and operators.
Sanitation Services
Dependable sanitation solutions maintain healthy onboard conditions for crew and cargo operations. The team manages water system checks, disinfection, pest control, and odor management during port stays or voyages. Each project follows hygiene regulations and supports long-term vessel upkeep.
By combining advanced products with trained professionals, Astern Marine helps ship operators meet health, safety, and environmental requirements at every major regional port.
Our Professional Riding Crew
Highly trained riding teams specialize in Hold, Tank, and Vessel preparation during voyages or port stays. These experts handle residue removal, rust control, and surface treatment while maintaining full compliance with safety and operational standards. Every task is completed under supercargo guidance using approved materials and high-pressure tools.
By performing essential work at sea, shipowners minimize downtime, enhance cargo readiness, and protect vessel integrity for upcoming inspections or loading operations.
United Arab Emirates: Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Sharjah
Operations run from key coastal hubs in Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Hamriya and Sharjah, offering reliable support for cargo ships, tankers, and offshore vessels. Each port team manages hold preparation, waste handling, sanitation, and underwater maintenance with precision and safety. The UAE division ensures fast responses, efficient turnaround, and adherence to port standards. By combining skilled manpower with advanced tools, Astern Marine delivers seamless support across the Arabian Gulf region.
Why Choose Astern Marine
- Experienced marine professionals in UAE and Sri Lanka
- 24/7 availability for port and voyage-based operations
- MARPOL-approved chemicals and procedures
- Certified manpower and IMO compliance
- Complete documentation and operational transparency
The company continues to earn trust through efficient service, quick turnaround, and cost-effective vessel maintenance.
Service Locations
- United Arab Emirates: Hamriya, Khorfakkan, Fujairah and Sharjah
- Sri Lanka Ports: Colombo, Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Galle
Contact Us
For Hold, Tank & Vessel services, contact Astern Marine for scheduling or technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is hold preparation and why is it important?
Hold preparation involves readying cargo holds for the next shipment by removing residues, rust, and contaminants. Proper preparation prevents cargo contamination, ensures vessel safety, and avoids inspection delays or disputes.
Q2. What does hold preparation include in shipping?
It involves washing, drying, and inspecting the cargo spaces before loading. Thorough preparation protects cargo, maintains vessel standards, and ensures compliance with charter or voyage rules.
Q3. How does Astern Marine handle tank maintenance?
The team performs high-pressure washing, chemical treatment, and de-mucking to restore tanks for reuse. They also manage waste disposal through IMO-approved facilities and issue certificates accepted by terminals and oil majors.
Q4. Can Astern Marine provide riding crew services during voyages?
Yes. Skilled riding crews perform surface treatment, residue removal, and preparation tasks at sea, helping vessels remain on schedule without port delays.
Q5. Are the materials and solutions MARPOL approved?
All products supplied meet MARPOL Annex V standards, ensuring safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible operations.
Q6. Where does Astern Marine operate?
The company provides vessel support across Khorfakkan, Sharjah (UAE) and Sri Lanka, including Colombo, Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Galle.