Clean cargo instructions

Before cargo is loaded it has been exposed to potential sources of contamination many times such as seeds, live bugs, mud, dirt and oil etc. Global cargo flow increases the risk for the spread of plants and animals from their natural habitats to geographical regions where they are considered invasive species. An invasive species is a plant, fungus, or animal species that is not native to a specific location (an introduced species), and which has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health. It is of great importance to assure that cargo is clean and in compliance with all requirements of discharge or transshipment port or region.

The consequence of transporting unclean cargo is not only an increased risk for the global spread of invasive spices, diseases, and a reduction in transportation quality, it could also result in large costs and time losses due to biosecurity inspections and cargo quarantine procedures, negatively affecting both the customer and the carrier. Vessel cleanliness and the risk for cross contamination of other cargo is also an important aspect to why all loaded cargo must be presented for shipping in a clean condition.