Ultrasonic Leak Detection

BES Africa provides advanced Ultrasonic Leak Detection (ULD) testing services for vessel hatch covers and weathertight closures at Moroccan ports and across the African continent. A failed hatch cover seal is one of the leading causes of cargo damage during ocean transit — and the damage to grain, steel, paper, or other moisture-sensitive cargo can be catastrophic. BES Africa Ultrasonic Leak Detection ULD tests identify every leak path before cargo is loaded, allowing repairs to be made before the vessel sails. Our Ultrasonic Leak Detection ULD reports are prepared under our ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and are accepted by P&I Clubs, cargo insurers, and maritime authorities worldwide.

➜ Go check certificate: View our ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018 certificates here

What Our Ultrasonic Leak Detection ULD Service Includes

• Full Hatch Cover Ultrasonic Leak Detection ULD Test — Using calibrated Cygnus or equivalent ultrasonic testing equipment, our surveyors place an ultrasonic transmitter inside the sealed cargo hold. A trained operator then scans the entire perimeter of the hatch cover from outside, using the receiver to detect any ultrasonic sound escaping through gaps or defective seals. Even very small gaps — far too small to be detected visually — are clearly identified by the ultrasonic receiver.
• Weathertight Closure Testing — In addition to main hatch covers, we test all other weathertight closures that could allow water ingress to cargo spaces, including ventilator closures, manholes, inspection hatches, pipe penetrations, and side scuttles. A comprehensive ULD test covers every potential ingress point.
• Leak Location Identification — When a leak is detected, our surveyors mark the exact location on the hatch cover using chalk or tape, enabling the ship’s crew or fitters to address the specific defect efficiently. This targeted approach saves time and repair cost compared to replacing all sealing rubber without knowing exactly where the failures are.
• Pre-Test and Post-Repair Testing — BES Africa provides both initial tests (to identify deficiencies) and follow-up tests (to confirm that repairs have been effective) — ensuring that the vessel departs with fully watertight hatch covers.
• Ultrasonic Leak Detection Test Certificate and Report — A comprehensive test report is issued documenting all hatches and closures tested, the locations of any leaks detected, the equipment used, the calibration status of the instrument, and the overall watertightness assessment. The report is suitable for submission to P&I Clubs, cargo insurers, and port authorities.

Why Ultrasonic Testing Is Preferred Over Water Hose Testing

The traditional water hose test — spraying water at hatch cover perimeters while someone checks for drips inside — is unreliable, time-consuming, and carries a risk of damaging the very cargo you are trying to protect. Ultrasonic testing is faster (a full hold can be tested in 30 minutes), more sensitive (detecting gaps as small as 0.1mm), completely non-destructive, and does not require any water near cargo spaces. P&I Clubs and cargo insurers universally recognize ultrasonic testing as the superior method for confirming hatch cover watertightness, and many now specifically require a ULD certificate before confirming coverage for moisture-sensitive cargo.

When Should You Request a ULD Test?

A ULD test is recommended before loading any moisture-sensitive cargo including grain, rice, steel products, paper, fertilizer, cement, and other commodities vulnerable to water damage. It is also recommended as part of on-hire condition documentation, before any long ocean voyage, and after any hatch cover maintenance or repair. The cost of a ULD test is negligible compared to the cargo insurance deductible on a single water damage claim.

Industries We Serve

• Shipowners and ship management companies
• Time and voyage charterers
• Cargo owners and commodity traders
• P&I Clubs and marine cargo insurers
• Port agents and ship operators

Our Ultrasonic Leak Detection Test Process

1. Equipment calibration check — The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver are calibrated before each test session.
2. Hold closure — All hatches and closures to be tested are closed and sealed as they would be at sea.
3. Transmitter placement — The ultrasonic transmitter is placed inside the hold.
4. Perimeter scan — The operator systematically scans the complete perimeter of each hatch cover and all other closures from outside.
5. Defect marking — Any leak locations are marked for the crew or repair team.
6. Report issuance — ULD test certificate issued to all parties after test completion.

Coverage and Availability

BES Africa Ultrasonic Leak Detection ULD testing services are available at all major Moroccan ports and across key African ports. We operate 24/7 — vessel schedules do not wait, and neither do we.