PPECB Cleaning Guidance (March 2026)

1. PPECB CLEANING GUIDANCE

March
2026

2.

Executive Summary:
Vessel arrived load port with:
• Only visible rubbish on top of gratings was cleaned.
• Gratings were not removed and underside not cleaned
• Dirt and debris were found blocking the airflow channels underneath.
This led to vessel being rejected by PPECB inspectors.
Consequence:
Delays
Loss Of Hire
Additional Cost
Additional man hours
Loss of Reputation.
Cleaning means preparing the entire hold system for sensitive cargo.

3.

Prior Arrival
• Cleaning only visible areas,
ignoring airflow channels.
• Leaving gratings in place
during cleaning.
• Failing to inspect overhead
structures.
• Not reporting damage:
rotten insulation, holes,
broken gratings.
PPECP Inspector Finding
• Dirt or cargo residue found
under gratings.
• Blocked air channels
restricting cooling airflow.
• Rotten or exposed
insulation.
• Damaged gratings unsafe
for loading.
• Rust contamination that
may fall onto cargo.

4.

The Perishable Products Export Control
Board (PPECB), performs vessel inspections
to ensure that containers and reefer vessels
meet stringent temperature, cleanliness,
and technical requirements for exporting
perishable products
Inspectors check the structural soundness,
hygiene, and functioning of the
refrigeration machinery for specialized
reefer vessels and containers.
Pay Attention to Vessel’s Q 58
PPECB Standard
1. STRUCTURALLY SOUND
1. No rotten insulation
2. No holes or damage
3. No loose rust flakes or paint
2. COMPLETELY CLEAN
1. No cargo residue
2. No dirt or debris
3. Clean overhead pipes and frames
3. DRY & ODOR-FREE
1. All surfaces must be dry. No pools of water.
2. No foreign smells (mould, oil, rot) or source
of contamination.
3. Airflow channels under gratings must be fully
open

5.

Critical PPECB Rejection Reasons
• Dirt or cargo residue found under gratings.
• Blocked air channels restricting cooling airflow.
• Rotten or exposed insulation.
• Damaged gratings unsafe for loading.
• Rust contamination that may fall onto cargo.

6.

Clean overhead structures, pipes, and frames.
Right
Wrong
Overhead frame with dust, and rust
flakes
Check for loose rust, scale and remove it.

7.

Damage
Right
Wrong
Exposed
insulation

8.

Ignoring overhead structures.
Washing all overhead structures,
pipes, and frames.
Right
Wrong
Dirt falls on cleaned
deck
Ventilation fans and ducts must be checked for cleanliness.

9.

Removing all loose rust and painting
Loose Rust & Dirt
Right
No rust contamination & Clean
Hold
Wrong
Dirty & Damaged
Gratings

10.

Right
Wrong

11.

Right
Wrong

12.

Step
Action
Key Point
1
Remove ALL Gratings. Stack safely.
You cannot clean what you cannot see.
2
Dry Sweep. Remove all loose debris from the tank top and
channels.
Use brooms and shovels. Fill bags/ bins.
3
Wash Down. Use high-pressure fresh water.
Start from the top (overheads, pipes) down to the tank top.
4
Scrub Channels. Use deck brushes to loosen stuck dirt in the
airflow channels.
This is the most important part!
5
Rinse and Squeegee. Wash all dirty water towards the bilges
or drain wells.
Remove ALL standing water. Test the Bilges.
6
Inspect & Dry. Check all areas are clean. Leave hold to
ventilate and dry completely.
Fan ventilation helps.
7
Replace Gratings. Only after the hold is 100% DRY.
Ensure gratings are undamaged and sit flat.
Gratings must be physically
removed and stacked safely
before washing
Bilges must be cleaned and
checked for residues and
odour.
All surfaces MUST be washed
and dried before PPECB
arrival.
Final inspection must be
conducted by Chief Mate
before PPECB inspection

13.

Key Takeaways
• Always remove ALL gratings before cleaning.
• Clean airflow channels thoroughly — NO
obstructions.
• Clean overheads, frames, pipes, and corners.
• Remove rust flakes and contamination sources.
• The hold must be DRY, CLEAN, and ODOR-FREE.
• Confirm no rust that may fall onto cargo leading
to contamination.

14.

Step By Step Recommendations For Cleaning:
Conduct meeting with team, detailing step wise hold cleaning plan,
equipments, PPE to be used and safety measures.
Remove ALL gratings from cargo hold.
Sweep loose debris and cargo residues.
Holds Fail If:
• Dirt or cargo residues under gratings.
• Blocked airflow channels affecting cooling.
• Rust flakes that may contaminate cargo.
• Rotten or exposed insulation.
• Standing water in bilges.
Pressure wash deck, frames, pipes, and bulkheads.
• Odor inside cargo hold.
Thoroughly wash airflow channels under gratings.
• Broken or unsafe gratings.
Clean bilges and check for odour or residues.
Remove rust scale and loose paint.
Ensure:
Dry hold completely and ventilate.
• Gratings removed — cleaning only visible areas is NOT
acceptable.
Reinstall gratings and verify airflow path is open.
Chief Mate conducts FINAL INSPECTION before PPECB survey.
• Airflow channels must be inspected and verified open.
• All contamination sources must be removed.
• Report any structural defects immediately

15.

THANK YOU
Acheon Akti