Delivering tailored Cargo Hold Cleaning chemicals to the world’s hard-to-reach ports

When a ship trades far from the major hubs, the hardest part of cargo hold cleaning isn’t always the wash itself—it’s knowing exactly what the problem is and how to fix it. Crews first must recognise the residue they’re up against, decide whether an alkaline cleaner or an acid-based cleaner will do the job, and then face the bigger question: Can they even get that right product to their next port in time?

Until someone guides and supports joining the dots—analysis, product choice, and last-mile delivery—every call to a remote port location feels like a roll of the dice: Will the correct cleaner arrive in time? Will the inspector pass the hold on the first visit? Will the vessel miss its loading slot and start paying demurrage? In remote ports, the answers can swing either way, so without a proper and reliable logistics plan, the vessel’s schedule depends on chance rather than on good management.

What is the challenge?

Thousands of vessels are sailing globally making port-calls from busiest to remote ports. Ship operators have high concerns about finding the right marine supplies when their vessel is unexpectedly rerouted to a remote port. Uncertainty of availability of critical marine supplies at remote port builds a tremendous pressure of time keeping vessels operations on schedule.

Similarly, ship operators who trade in out-of-the-way ports often discover, sometimes at the last minute, that no one nearby stocks the certified cargo hold cleaning chemicals that their next cargo or coating requires. Without those products, crews either delay cleaning until chemical drums can be trucked in or gamble on a “universal” cleaner that risks inspection failure. The hidden cost is loss of time, re-cleaning, failure in meeting schedule and potential demurrage.

Who is facing this challenge?

Shipping owners and operators (including one of our customers, Wagenborg Shipping), running fleet operations of cargo hold vessels in remote locations, are increasingly facing global challenges in sourcing high-quality cleaning chemicals for cargo hold maintenance, particularly in remote ports such as Vietnam, Sweden, Finland, Chile and Morocco. These locations often lack consistent access to the specialized and quality products required for effective and compliant cleaning between cargoes.

Why are customers facing this challenge, and how are they impacted?

Vessels often transport various types of cargoes that require specific blends of cleaning chemicals for proper preparation before the next load at their next port call. In addition, remote ports usually stock general-purpose cleaning chemical rather than MARPOL-approved chemicals required for the hold cleaning. Due to uncertainty regarding the availability of necessary chemicals, maritime operators may need to use chemicals of substandard. The process of ordering and arranging logistics for certified chemicals can add 24-36 hours to urgent deliveries, and fixed inspection schedules provide limited flexibility. If the required chemicals are delayed or unavailable, crews may be unable to complete cleaning tasks on schedule, which could result in missed inspection tests, loading delays, and increased demurrage costs, ultimately affecting scheduling, reputation, and revenue.

What solution does WSS offer, and who at WSS is addressing it?

With our global network of over 2,200 port destinations, and strategic locations of over 100 warehouses, our customers can rely on us to provide the products and solutions they need, so they are always prepared, no matter where you are. Our vast global network ensures over a 98% on-time delivery of marine supplies to a port location of our customer’s choosing.

WSS being a market leader with over 150 years, we are shaping the maritime industry. With years of expertise and market knowledge, our locally global team of world-class technical experts understand our customers’ challenges and always ready to support and guide them.

To address this challenge, Ivy Chong Esbensen (Tank and Hold Cleaning TS&BDM) took a proactive and collaborative approach. By aligning closely with our customers’ operational needs and leveraging the expertise of Astrid van der Hoek, our Specialist, we ensured a deep understanding of both the previous and upcoming cargoes. This allowed us to identify the most suitable cleaning agents for each scenario.

Working in coordination with Christina Kesting, our Category Demand Manager, we assessed stock point possibilities and strategically arranged for minimum quantities of the right chemicals to be stocked at key locations. This ensures that whenever our customers’ vessels call at these remote ports, they have timely access to the right Navadan™ by Wilhelmsen cleaning chemicals—supporting both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service is a globally trusted partner that offers its customers the peace of mind when it matters the most.

Why customers trust us?

In ever-evolving maritime landscape, maritime operators need a reliable partner that can ensure timely delivery of critical marine supplies on their next port call so that their fleet operations can stay on schedule and compliant. At WSS, working closely with our customers over the years have earned us their trust, not only for on-time delivery but the consistent and certified quality of products and services that delivery optimal performance in any situation and help our customers meet compliance standards with ease.

"For some time ago it was difficult to receive Navadan FreshHold in the Baltic area, making us using other brand products which are working but not in the way FreshHold works. Either you must use more chemicals for the same result, or the same result is not even achieved.

Therefore, I’m happy that now it is possible to get the FreshHold in Helsinki, for cleaning in the south Finish area.”

– Andreas Beikes, Cargo Superintendent at Wagenborg Shipping

Our Tank and Hold Cleaning Expert is here to support you

Ivy Chong Esbensen Technical Sales & Business Development Manager – Tank & Hold Cleaning Ivy Chong Esbensen is a seasoned professional in the maritime industry, with a career foundation rooted in the bunkers sector since 2008. Her deep understanding of marine operations has evolved into a specialized focus on technical sales and business development, particularly in tank and hold cleaning solutions. Based in Copenhagen, Ivy plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives, expanding product presence globally, and aligning customer needs with tailored chemical and equipment solutions.

Get in touch with our Experts

Our team of world-class experts have been guiding and supporting maritime operators and crews match the right maritime products and solutions for their operational needs.

Need worry-free cleaning support? Talk to a Wilhelmsen expert and let us keep your vessels clean, compliant, and on time wherever they sail.