Hold & hatch inspection

Cargo reaches its destination free from contamination and damage when the vessel hold is verified before loading. Hold and hatch inspection confirms that load compartments are clean, dry and structurally sound, so operations managers gain full confidence in vessel hold readiness. Control Union performs these inspections with deep bulk commodity knowledge, keeping financial settlement risks and quarantine exposure under control.

    Compliance and control through hold and hatch inspection

    Control Union holds an independent, accredited position in the supply chain. This accreditation gives organisations verifiable proof of inspection quality, which directly strengthens risk management and protects the financial settlement of cargo transactions. Decades of hands-on experience with bulk raw materials translate into inspectors who recognise commodity-specific contamination risks before loading begins. The result is documented assurance that stands up to trade agreement requirements and regulatory scrutiny.

    Control Union

    Protect cargo integrity with insight and certainty

    Control Union
    1.

    Hold cleanliness verified to commodity level

    Inspectors confirm the hold is dry, clean and free from rust, rust flakes and paint that could harm or discolour the cargo.

    2.

    Hatch opening and closing performance checked

    Hold and hatch inspection verifies proper mechanical operation of hatch covers, preventing water ingress and structural failures during transit.

    3.

    High-pressure hose test for watertightness

    A hose test applies high water pressure to hatch covers and gaskets, identifying tightness defects before cargo is placed at risk.

    4.

    Ultrasonic leak detection services

    Ultrasonic testing overcomes hose test limitations and can be carried out when holds are already loaded, locating leak points with precision.

    5.

    Specialist bulk commodity knowledge

    Deep technical knowledge of many types of bulk raw materials means inspectors assess contamination and compatibility risks specific to each cargo type.

    How we work

    Towards control, insight, and certainty

    The strength lies in the combination of inspection expertise, advanced data systems, and global practical experience.

    Step 1

    Inspectors review the ship’s log to identify previous cargoes and flag any historic contamination or quarantine risks before physical checks begin.

    Step 2

    Chemical cargo contamination testing determines whether the hold is free from previous cargo remnants and residues that could compromise the new load.

    Step 3

    An electronic signal transmitter is placed inside the sealed hold and a sensor scans all compression joints externally, pinpointing potential leak points.

    The proof to your promise

    Operational certainty at scale

    Control Union combines inspection, logistics coordination and laboratory analysis into one reliable contact point for hold and hatch inspection.

    • One central point of contact in the supply chain reduces coordination effort by integrating inspections, sampling and transport alignment in a single workflow.

    • A large, flexible organisation supports 24/7 operations, peak demand and complex logistical scenarios without compromising inspection reliability.

    • With a global presence in more than 80 countries, Control Union mobilises inspectors close to the vessel location, keeping scheduling fast and practical.

    Control Union
    Readings taken by the ultrasonic sensor on the receiver pinpoint low-compression joints and potential leakage points before they can affect cargo during transit.
    Koen Backer van Ommeren – Control Union
    The proof to your promise

    Frequently asked questions

    The hold is also checked for structural damage, and repainted areas are reviewed to confirm coatings will not affect cargo quality. Hatch mechanical performance is verified as well.

    The inspection takes place prior to loading. Scheduling it before cargo arrives prevents costly delays and ensures any defects are resolved in time.

    Inspectors pay special attention to previously carried products that may cause problems due to quarantine requirements, identifying cross-contamination risks before new cargo enters the hold.

    Get in touch with our experts

    Looking to learn more about our inspection capabilities? Submit the form below and we’ll reach out promptly.

    Control Union – marks & logo’s

    "*" indicates required fields

    Name*
    Let us know what you are thinking. Do you have a question for us? Feel free to ask.
    Local knowledge

    Global coverage

    Control Union drives global trade forward. As an international and independent partner, we support traders, producers, brands, and logistics service providers in managing risk and safeguarding quality at every step of the supply chain.

    From raw material to final product, from processes and systems to installations, we provide insight, assurance, and trust in every link of the chain. We do this through inspections and audits, certification and verification, laboratory analyses, and pest management.

    Our global network of experts are embedded in international supply chains across dozens of sectors, including agriculture, food & feed, energy & biofuels, forestry, construction & infrastructure, textiles, maritime, and on- and offshore.

    Together, we build future-proof supply chains and confidence in global trade!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and laboratories in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Dedicated colleagues