Cleaning Chemicals for Vessels: Procurement and Compliance with MARPOL Annex V

Cleaning chemicals are used every day onboard vessels, but they should not be treated as ordinary consumables. The wrong cleaner can damage coatings, create crew safety risks, contaminate cargo areas, complicate waste handling or create compliance problems under MARPOL requirements.

For technical buyers, HSEQ teams and chief officers, marine cleaning chemicals procurement MARPOL is about selecting products that are effective, documented, safe to handle and suitable for the vessel’s operating environment.

A vessel may need hold cleaning chemicals, tank cleaning chemicals, deck cleaners, degreasers, galley cleaners, cabin hygiene products, multipurpose detergents, descalers, disinfectants, bilge area cleaners and spill response products. Each category has different documentation, storage, compatibility and disposal considerations.

AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering supports ship owners, ship managers, technical buyers and HSEQ teams with marine chemicals, technical stores, deck consumables, cleaning chemicals and vessel supply coordination across international ports.

For regulatory context, see MARPOL. For cleaning chemical, detergent and vessel maintenance supply requests, submit your requirement through Quick Quote.

Categories of Marine Cleaning Chemicals

Marine cleaning chemicals are used in different areas of the vessel. A product that works well in a galley may not be suitable for cargo hold cleaning. A deck degreaser may not be appropriate for tank cleaning. This is why procurement teams should separate cleaning chemicals by application before requesting a quote.

Cargo Hold Cleaning Chemicals

Hold cleaning chemicals are used to remove cargo residues, dust, stains, grease, mineral deposits or contamination from cargo holds. They are especially relevant for bulk carriers that change cargo type between voyages.

Common hold cleaning chemical types include:

Alkaline hold cleaners
Acidic cleaners for mineral deposits
Cement and lime removers
Grain residue cleaners
Coal and petcoke residue cleaners
Degreasers
Rust stain removers
Odour control products
General hold wash detergents

When requesting hold cleaning chemicals, buyers should specify the previous cargo, next cargo, hold coating type and cleaning objective.

Tank Cleaning Chemicals

Tank cleaning chemicals are used for cargo tanks, fuel-related spaces, chemical tankers, product tankers and other vessel areas where residues must be removed before inspection, repair or cargo change.

Tank cleaning requirements may depend on:

Previous cargo
Next cargo
Tank coating
Residue type
Temperature requirement
Cleaning method
Ventilation needs
Toxicity and flammability concerns
Waste reception arrangement
SDS and compatibility documentation

Tank cleaning products require careful technical review because they may be linked to cargo compatibility, enclosed space safety and waste handling procedures.

Deck, Engine Room and General Cleaners

Deck and machinery space cleaning products support daily vessel maintenance. They may include detergents, degreasers, oil removers, descalers, rust removers and multipurpose cleaners.

Common categories include:

Deck wash detergents
Engine room degreasers
Bilge area cleaners
Metal cleaners
Descalers
Rust stain removers
Paint-safe detergents
Non-slip surface cleaners
Spill cleanup products

These products should be selected with coating compatibility, crew exposure, slip risk and waste handling in mind.

Galley, Cabin and Accommodation Cleaners

Galley and accommodation cleaning chemicals are used for hygiene, food preparation areas, cabins, laundry, bathrooms and common spaces. These products are closer to crew welfare and food hygiene management than heavy-duty cargo cleaning.

Typical categories include:

Galley degreasers
Dishwashing liquids
Surface cleaners
Disinfectants
Floor cleaners
Toilet cleaners
Glass cleaners
Laundry detergents
Odour control products
General-purpose cleaning sprays

For food preparation areas, product selection should support hygiene procedures. For broader food safety context, buyers may also review HACCP and ISO 22000.

Why Category Separation Matters

A vague RFQ such as “cleaning chemical” often leads to wrong quotations. Suppliers need the application, surface, residue type and documentation expectation to quote accurately.

A strong RFQ should include:

Vessel name
Product category
Cleaning application
Surface or tank type
Previous cargo where relevant
Next cargo where relevant
Required quantity
Packaging preference
SDS requirement
Delivery port
ETA and delivery window
Required certificates or declarations
Crew safety requirements
Disposal or waste handling considerations

This structure improves quotation accuracy and reduces unsuitable substitutions.

Hold and Tank Cleaning Specifications

Hold and tank cleaning chemicals should be procured with more technical detail than general-purpose cleaners. The wrong product can damage coatings, leave residues, fail inspection or create safety hazards.

Hold Cleaning: Previous Cargo and Next Cargo

For cargo holds, the previous and next cargo are essential. A cleaner suitable after coal may not be the best choice after cement, grain, sulphur, petcoke, fertilizer or mineral cargo.

The RFQ should state:

Previous cargo
Next cargo
Hold condition
Cargo residue type
Coating type
Cleaning target
Available cleaning equipment
Fresh water availability
Time available before inspection
Required documentation
Waste handling expectation

If the next cargo is sensitive, cleaning standards may be stricter.

Tank Cleaning: Cargo and Safety Requirements

Tank cleaning chemical selection should consider cargo properties, residue behaviour and crew safety. Some residues may create flammable vapours, toxic exposure or chemical reaction risks.

Tank cleaning RFQs should include:

Previous cargo
Next cargo
Tank coating
Residue type
Cleaning temperature
Circulation or manual cleaning method
Gas-freeing requirements
Enclosed space entry considerations
Waste reception arrangement
Required SDS
PPE requirements
Compatibility restrictions

Chief officers, chief engineers and HSEQ teams should coordinate before approving tank cleaning chemicals.

Coating and Material Compatibility

Some cleaning chemicals can damage epoxy coatings, zinc silicate coatings, aluminium, rubber seals, painted surfaces, stainless steel, brass, copper or plastic components.

Buyers should ask for:

Product Technical Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheet
Dilution instructions
Surface compatibility information
pH value
Application method
Contact time
Rinse requirement
Temperature limits
Manufacturer restrictions

If coating damage occurs, the cost can be much higher than the cleaning chemical price.

Documentation for Hold and Tank Cleaning Chemicals

Depending on product type and vessel procedure, documentation may include:

Safety Data Sheet
Technical Data Sheet
Product certificate
Batch information
Manufacturer declaration
IMO/MARPOL-related statement where applicable
HME declaration where relevant
Delivery note
Packing list
Proof of delivery
Handling instructions

Documentation should be requested before delivery, not after the vessel has already started cleaning.

Galley, Cabin and General-Purpose Cleaners

Galley, cabin and general-purpose cleaners are used more frequently than cargo cleaning chemicals. Because they are handled by crew in daily routines, safety, labelling, dilution and storage are especially important.

Galley Cleaning Products

Galley cleaning products should remove grease, food residues and surface contamination without creating unnecessary crew exposure or residue risk on food-contact areas.

Common galley products include:

Food-area surface cleaners
Degreasers
Dishwashing liquids
Dishwasher detergents
Descalers
Floor cleaners
Waste bin cleaners
Odour control products

For galley use, buyers should confirm whether the product is suitable for food preparation areas and whether rinsing is required.

Cabin and Accommodation Cleaning

Accommodation cleaners support crew welfare and daily hygiene. These products should be easy to use, clearly labelled and safe when used according to instructions.

Common accommodation cleaning products include:

Bathroom cleaners
Toilet cleaners
Floor detergents
Glass cleaners
Laundry detergents
Disinfectants
Multipurpose cleaners
Odour control products

Strong fragrance, poor ventilation or incorrect dilution may affect crew comfort, so procurement should consider usability as well as price.

Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Disinfectants should be selected carefully because they may have specific contact time, dilution, storage and hazard requirements.

Before buying disinfectants, confirm:

Intended use
Surface compatibility
Required dilution
Contact time
Active ingredient
SDS availability
PPE requirement
Storage temperature
Expiry or shelf-life
Local approval requirement where applicable

Not every cleaning product is a disinfectant. The product claim should match the intended use.

General-Purpose Cleaners

General-purpose cleaners are useful for routine cleaning, but they should not replace specialized products when the application requires a specific chemical.

A general-purpose cleaner may be suitable for:

Light dirt
Accommodation areas
Routine deck cleaning
Non-critical surfaces
General maintenance cleaning

It may not be suitable for:

Heavy cargo residues
Tank cleaning
Oil-contaminated spaces
Scale removal
Disinfection
Sensitive coated surfaces
Food contact areas without proper rinsing instructions

Procurement teams should define the use case clearly.

MARPOL Annex V and Garbage Management

MARPOL Annex V addresses prevention of pollution by garbage from ships. It generally prohibits the discharge of garbage into the sea, except under limited circumstances defined in the Annex.

For vessel cleaning chemicals, the key issue is how cleaning agents, additives and residues in wash water are handled.

Why MARPOL Annex V Matters for Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning operations may produce wash water containing:

Cleaning agents
Additives
Cargo residues
Dirt and dust
Oil or grease traces
Chemical residues
Food-related residues
Packaging waste
Rags or absorbents

Depending on the cleaning operation, disposal may involve shipboard procedures, reception facilities, garbage management plans, cargo residue rules or other pollution prevention requirements.

Cleaning chemical procurement should therefore consider not only product performance but also environmental classification and waste handling.

Cleaning Agents and Additives in Wash Water

Under MARPOL Annex V, cleaning agents or additives in wash water must be assessed carefully, especially when cargo residues or external surface wash water are involved.

Buyers and HSEQ teams should check whether the product:

Is harmful to the marine environment
Contains substances of concern
Has a clear SDS
Has manufacturer environmental information
Is suitable for shipboard use
Requires special waste handling
Can be used in the intended cleaning operation
Has restrictions in special areas
Creates residues that must be landed ashore

This is especially important for cargo hold washing and deck wash operations.

Cargo Residues and HME Classification

Cargo residues may be classified as harmful to the marine environment depending on the cargo and applicable criteria. If harmful residues are present, discharge rules become stricter.

For hold cleaning, procurement teams should coordinate with vessel staff to confirm:

Previous cargo classification
Whether residues are HME
Whether reception facilities are needed
Whether the cleaner is suitable
Whether wash water can be discharged or must be retained
Whether cargo documentation supports the decision

The cleaning chemical supplier may provide product information, but the vessel operator remains responsible for correct onboard compliance decisions.

Garbage Management Plan and Recordkeeping

Cleaning chemical procurement should align with the vessel’s garbage management procedures.

Records may include:

Product delivery documents
SDS
Cleaning operation records
Waste landing receipts
Garbage Record Book entries where applicable
Cargo residue documentation
Spill response records
Disposal instructions
Crew training records

A well-documented cleaning process supports HSEQ review and port inspection readiness.

Storage, Compatibility and Crew Safety

Cleaning chemicals must be stored and handled correctly onboard. Poor storage can lead to leakage, reaction, label loss, crew exposure or product failure.

Safe Onboard Storage

Cleaning chemicals should be stored in designated areas with clear labels and secure packaging. Incompatible products should not be stored together.

Good storage practices include:

Keeping original labels visible
Separating acids and alkalis
Separating oxidizers from incompatible products
Keeping flammable products away from ignition sources
Using spill trays where needed
Avoiding heat and direct sunlight
Closing containers after use
Keeping SDS accessible
Marking opened containers
Checking expiry dates where relevant
Preventing unauthorized mixing

Storage rules should follow the product SDS and vessel procedures.

Chemical Compatibility

Some cleaning chemicals can react dangerously when mixed. For example, acid-based cleaners, chlorine-based products, ammonia-based products and strong alkalis should be managed carefully.

Crew should avoid:

Mixing products without instruction
Using unlabelled containers
Transferring chemicals into food containers
Reusing containers for other chemicals
Combining products to “make them stronger”
Using incorrect dilution
Applying chemicals to incompatible surfaces

Clear labelling and crew training are essential.

PPE for Handling Cleaning Chemicals

The required PPE depends on the product and task. The SDS should always be the main reference.

Typical PPE may include:

Chemical-resistant gloves
Eye protection
Face shield
Protective clothing
Apron
Safety boots
Respiratory protection where required
Ventilation support
Emergency eyewash access

For stronger tank cleaners, degreasers, acids or caustic products, PPE requirements may be stricter.

Spill Response Onboard

Spill response should be planned before chemicals are used.

A practical response plan should include:

Stop the leak if safe
Isolate the area
Wear correct PPE
Prevent entry to drains or sea
Use compatible absorbents
Collect waste safely
Follow SDS instructions
Report according to vessel procedure
Record the incident
Land waste ashore where required

Spill kits and absorbents are part of effective chemical safety management.

Greener Chemistry: Green Seal, EcoLabels and Bio-Surfactants

Many buyers now ask for lower-impact cleaning chemicals. However, “green”, “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” claims should be reviewed carefully. Procurement teams should look for credible information, not marketing language alone.

What Greener Cleaning Means

Greener cleaning products may aim to reduce:

Aquatic toxicity
Persistent ingredients
VOC emissions
Harsh solvents
Hazardous substances
Packaging waste
Skin and respiratory irritation
Environmental impact after use

However, a greener product must still perform properly. A weak cleaner may require repeated application, higher dosage or longer cleaning time, which can reduce the practical environmental benefit.

Green Seal and EcoLabels

Green Seal and other ecolabels can help buyers identify products that meet defined environmental and health-related criteria. These labels may consider factors such as ingredients, toxicity, biodegradability, packaging and product performance.

Procurement teams should check:

Which ecolabel applies
Whether the product is actually certified
Whether the certification covers the intended use
Whether the product is suitable for marine conditions
Whether SDS and technical documents are available
Whether performance is proven for the required cleaning task

Ecolabels can support decision-making, but they do not replace technical suitability review.

Bio-Surfactants and Lower-Impact Formulations

Surfactants are key ingredients in many detergents and cleaners. Bio-surfactants or bio-based surfactants may reduce reliance on petroleum-derived ingredients and support lower-impact cleaning formulations.

When reviewing bio-surfactant products, buyers should check:

Cleaning performance
Compatibility with surface and residue
Biodegradability information
Aquatic toxicity data
SDS
Storage stability
Dilution ratio
Cost per use
Packaging type
Supplier reliability

A green product should be both environmentally preferable and operationally effective.

Avoiding Greenwashing

Greenwashing occurs when environmental claims are vague, exaggerated or unsupported.

Buyers should be cautious with claims such as:

“Eco”
“Natural”
“Non-toxic”
“Marine safe”
“Biodegradable”
“Green cleaner”
“Environmentally friendly”

These claims should be supported with documentation, test data or recognized certification.

Procurement Pitfalls in Vessel Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals are frequently reordered, which can make teams rely too heavily on old purchase records. But product names, formulations, regulations, vessel routes and cleaning requirements can change.

Common Mistakes

Common procurement mistakes include:

Ordering by generic description only
Not identifying the cleaning application
Missing SDS
Ignoring MARPOL relevance
Not checking hold or tank coating compatibility
Buying harsh chemicals for routine cleaning
Accepting unsuitable substitutes
Ignoring PPE requirements
Not confirming packaging size
Not checking expiry or shelf life
Missing dilution instructions
Not checking storage compatibility
Not confirming whether product is suitable for galley use
Relying only on “eco-friendly” claims
Not coordinating with chief officer or HSEQ team

These mistakes can create operational, safety and compliance problems.

What a Strong Cleaning Chemical RFQ Should Include

A strong RFQ should include:

Vessel name
Cleaning application
Product type
Previous cargo where relevant
Surface or tank type
Required quantity
Packaging size
Delivery port
ETA
SDS requirement
Technical Data Sheet requirement
MARPOL or environmental declaration where relevant
PPE requirement
Substitution rules
Urgency level
Delivery instructions

This helps suppliers quote the right product and documentation.

Pricing: Liter, Kilogram or Pack

Cleaning chemicals may be priced by liter, kilogram, drum, pail, can, carton or pallet depending on product type and packaging.

Buyers should compare:

Unit price
Dilution ratio
Active concentration
Packaging size
Freight cost
Required dosage
Storage life
Delivery cost
Waste handling impact
Cost per cleaning operation

The cheapest product per liter may not be the cheapest product per cleaning result.

How AVS Supports Cleaning Chemical Procurement

AVS supports technical buyers, HSEQ teams and chief officers with vessel cleaning chemical sourcing, product clarification, documentation collection and delivery coordination across international ports.

AVS can support:

Hold cleaning chemicals
Tank cleaning chemicals
Deck detergents
Engine room degreasers
Galley cleaning products
Cabin and accommodation cleaners
Disinfectants
Descalers
Spill response products
Eco-labelled or lower-impact cleaning products where available
SDS and technical document coordination
Packaging and delivery planning
Multi-port vessel supply
Technical stores coordination
Urgent cleaning chemical RFQs
Proof of delivery

AVS helps buyers clarify product requirements before delivery, reduce unsuitable substitutions and support safer vessel cleaning operations.

Conclusion: Cleaning Chemical Procurement Must Balance Performance, Safety and Compliance

Cleaning chemicals are essential for vessel hygiene, cargo readiness, maintenance and safety. But effective procurement requires more than choosing a familiar brand or the lowest price.

Technical buyers should define the cleaning application, surface, residue, quantity, documentation and MARPOL relevance before placing an order. HSEQ teams should check SDS, crew safety, storage compatibility and waste handling. Chief officers should confirm operational suitability for hold, tank, deck or accommodation use.

For greener cleaning products, buyers should look beyond marketing claims and request credible documentation, ecolabel information and performance evidence.

AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering supports ship owners, ship managers, technical buyers and HSEQ teams with marine cleaning chemicals, technical stores, documentation support and vessel delivery coordination across international ports.

For hold cleaning chemicals, tank cleaning products, galley cleaners, deck detergents, SDS-backed supply or MARPOL-sensitive cleaning requirements, submit your request through Quick Quote.

FAQ

What is MARPOL Annex V?

MARPOL Annex V is the part of MARPOL that addresses prevention of pollution by garbage from ships. It generally prohibits discharge of garbage into the sea except under limited conditions defined in the Annex.

Are cleaning chemical residues controlled?

Yes. Cleaning agents, additives, cargo residues and wash water may be subject to MARPOL-related restrictions depending on the product, residue, cleaning operation, location and environmental classification.

What is a hold cleaning chemical?

A hold cleaning chemical is a product used to clean cargo holds after cargo discharge. It may remove dust, stains, grease, cargo residues, mineral deposits, odours or contamination before the next cargo.

Are eco-friendly cleaners as effective?

Some eco-labelled or lower-impact cleaners can be effective, but performance depends on residue type, dilution, surface, cleaning method and contact time. Buyers should request technical data and performance evidence.

Does AVS supply tank cleaning chemicals?

AVS can support tank cleaning chemical sourcing depending on product type, delivery port, vessel requirement, documentation needs and availability.

What documentation is required at delivery?

Typical documents may include Safety Data Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, product certificate, packing list, delivery note, invoice, batch information and proof of delivery. MARPOL or environmental declarations may be requested where relevant.

How are chemicals stored onboard?

Cleaning chemicals should be stored in designated, labelled and secure areas. Incompatible products such as acids, alkalis, oxidizers or flammable chemicals should be separated according to the SDS and vessel procedures.

What PPE is needed for handling?

PPE depends on the chemical and task. Gloves, eye protection, face shield, protective clothing, apron, safety boots or respiratory protection may be required. The SDS should always be checked.

Are there approved chemical lists?

Some vessels, companies, charterers or cargo interests may maintain approved chemical lists. Buyers should check onboard procedures and company requirements before accepting substitutes.

How are chemicals priced — by liter or kg?

Cleaning chemicals may be priced by liter, kilogram, drum, pail, can, carton or pallet. Buyers should compare dilution ratio, concentration and cost per cleaning operation, not only unit price.

Can chemicals be supplied in bulk?

Some cleaning chemicals can be supplied in bulk or larger packaging, depending on product type, port availability, handling capability and vessel storage arrangements.

How are spills managed onboard?

Spills should be managed according to the SDS and vessel procedures. Crew should isolate the area, wear correct PPE, prevent entry to drains or sea, use compatible absorbents, collect waste safely and record the incident.

Cleaning Chemicals for Vessels