Hold Sealing Cargo Security Services

BES Africa provides professional, independent cargo Hold Sealing Cargo services to protect bulk commodity shipments from unauthorized access and contamination between load port and discharge port. Once cargo is loaded and a vessel’s holds are sealed by an independent BES Africa surveyor, the integrity of the seal record provides unambiguous chain-of-custody documentation that all parties — shipper, receiver, insurer, and customs authority — can rely on. We operate across Morocco and the African continent, 24/7, applying tamper-evident seals that meet international shipping security standards — we combine deep technical expertise with a fully integrated management system certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO 14001:2015 (Environment), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety) to deliver results you can trust.

What Our Hold Sealing Cargo Services Includes

• Pre-Sealing Hold Inspection — Before seals are applied, our surveyor inspects each cargo hold for cleanliness, condition, and suitability for the cargo. Any pre-existing damage, residual cargo from previous voyages, or contamination is documented photographically — establishing the hold condition at the time of sealing and protecting the shipper from liability for pre-existing issues.
• Tamper-Evident Seal Application — High-security, numbered tamper-evident seals are applied to all cargo hold access points — hatch covers, manholes, ventilators, and any other points through which the hold could be accessed without detection. Each seal is applied in a manner that makes any tampering immediately visible and leaves permanent evidence if removed.
• Seal Number Documentation — Every seal applied is documented by number, location, date, time, and the identity of the applying surveyor. A complete seal register is prepared and issued to all nominated parties — shipper, charterer, and receiver — so that any discrepancy at the discharge port is immediately identifiable.
• Photographic Evidence — Every seal applied by BES Africa is photographed in situ, showing the seal number clearly, the physical location on the vessel, and the condition of the surrounding area. This photographic record forms part of the seal report and provides unambiguous evidence for any dispute or insurance claim.
• Seal Verification at Discharge — BES Africa can arrange for seal verification at the discharge port by a correspondent surveyor, confirming that all seals applied at the load port arrive intact and uncompromised. A seal verification certificate is then issued, completing the chain-of-custody documentation.
• Comprehensive Sealing Report — A full sealing report is issued to all parties following completion of the sealing operation, including hold inspection findings, seal numbers and locations, photographic appendix, and surveyor certification.

Why Independent Hold Sealing Cargo Security Matters

For bulk commodity shipments, the period between load port and discharge port presents significant exposure to cargo theft, contamination, or substitution — particularly on longer voyages or where cargo has high intrinsic value. An independent hold sealing record by BES Africa provides all parties with documented assurance of cargo integrity throughout the voyage. For customs authorities at the discharge port, the seal record provides evidence that the cargo has not been disturbed since loading. For cargo insurers, the seal documentation reduces the risk of unexplained cargo loss claims. For buyers, it provides confidence that the cargo received matches the cargo loaded.

Who Needs Hold Sealing Cargo Security Services?

• Exporters of high-value bulk commodities (grain, sugar, cocoa, fertilizer)
• Commodity traders with quality or quantity concerns at destination
• Buyers requiring chain-of-custody assurance for letter of credit purposes
• Customs authorities requiring sealed shipments for import clearance
• Insurance underwriters requiring security documentation for coverage
• Charterers requiring hold condition records at delivery or redelivery

Our Hold Sealing Cargo Security Process

1. Pre-sealing hold inspection — Visual inspection and photographic documentation of each hold before sealing.
2. Seal selection and assignment — High-security numbered seals are selected and assigned to each location.
3. Seal application — Seals applied to all access points by the BES Africa surveyor, with photographic documentation of each seal.
4. Seal register preparation — Complete register of all seals applied, by number and location, prepared and issued to all parties.
5. Sealing report issuance — Full sealing report including photographs issued within 24 hours of operation.
6. Discharge verification (if requested) — Seal condition checked and documented at discharge port by BES Africa correspondent.

Coverage and Availability

BES Africa Hold Sealing Cargo Security services are available at all major Moroccan ports and throughout Africa. We can arrange correspondent seal verification services at discharge ports across the globe. We operate 24/7 to align with vessel loading schedules.

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