Newly Developed Protective Sheet Makes Cleaning Ship Holds Easier

January 30, 2006

NYK Group companies NYK Global Bulk Corporation (President: Hisayoshi Mikawa) and the Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI, President: Yoshihiro Uesu), in collaboration with Meihan Senpaku Co. Ltd. (President: Yasushi Takahashi) in Osaka and the Koizumi Jute Mills Ltd. (President: Takeo Uemura) in Kobe, have developed a protective sheet (patent pending) for use in the holds of ships. The protective sheet will reduce contamination in the holds of bulk carriers after bulk cement is unloaded, thus making cleaning easier.

The sheet will be used in the holds of handy bulkers (bulk carriers of about 23,000 to 50,000 deadweight tons), which are mainly used for bulk cement transportation. When bulk cement is loaded into a hold, the cement absorbs moisture from the air and adheres to the hold wall. After unloading, cleaning of the hold takes three to five times longer and costs considerably more than cleaning that takes place after the transport of other cargo. This extended cleaning interval lengthens the time between unloading the bulk cement and loading the next material for transportation.

The newly developed protective sheet reduces contamination and makes cleaning of the hold much easier. Moreover, the sheet can reduce dust levels, thus improving the working environment.

The product features are as follows:

Covering the hold wall with the sheet prevents cement adherence to the walls, which significantly reduces cleaning time and cost after unloading. Cement can slide down easily on the sheet, thus the collapse of cement blocks from the hold wall is prevented. Because of this structure, dust from the cement is greatly reduced, improving the working environment in the hold. The time and cost for cleaning after unloading had been a concern since bulk carriers started to transport bulk cement over 25 years ago. With the introduction of this new sheet, this ongoing concern will be resolved. The NYK Group will further modify and improve this sheet for use with other bulk products. The loading of grain products takes more time and effort, especially after unloading bulk materials such as cement, which can leave residue in the hold and contaminate grain products. Introduction of this sheet will save time and energy in the unloading and loading process.