What are preparation for loading refrigerated cargo on ships ?

• All compartments thoroughly cleaned, dry and free from any odour and taint.
• Insulation inspected and any deficiencies made good.
• Hatch plugs, ceiling, clearings and ventilator plugs should he inspected to ensure air tightness.
• Scuppers should be “brine sealed”.
• Bilges should be cleaned , dried and sweetened.
• Cleanliness is essential:
• All traces of bacteria and mould removed by washing down with solution of carbolocene or formalene.
• For fruit a sodium compound is sometimes used.
• Some operators use a mild fumigant to destroy mould.
• Floor battens should be laid in line with the air flow and spaced according to the size of the cargo.
• Wooden dunnage should be free from taint and bark.
• For frozen goods, it is important that the dunnage is well cooled before cargo is stowed on it.
• Cargo should not come in contact with brine pipes.

After the compartments has been cleaned and pre-cooled, the compartments must be inspected by an approved surveyor and a loading certificate issued before any cargo is loaded