Abstract: A method for cleanly unloading dry bulk material carried by ships in below-deck holds is disclosed. The method includes the steps of disposing a portable open-topped, intermediate collection station in at least one empty hold of a ship. Loads of material in at least one filled hold are moved in at least one receptacle to the open-topped, intermediate collection station in the at least one empty hold. Airborne dust is continuously collected from over the intermediate collection station to prevent local formation of a dust cloud. The material is transferred from the intermediate collection station through closed conduit structure to an on-shore collection station. Exposure of the drying material to conditions likely to cause dust clouds and likely to result in wetting of the material is minimized. Apparatus for use in cleanly unloading dry bulk material from the holds of a ship includes an open-topped hopper adapted to be lifted into and out of an operative position in the at least one empty hold.