Tank containers are used for transportation and storage of foodstuffs, non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals, liquefied gases and powders. Tank containers, also referred to as UN Portable Tanks, Shipping Tanks, ISO tanks, Intermodal Tanks, IMO tanks etc. are purpose designed for international transportation by road, rail and sea. They are a versatile means of shipping bulk liquids where a single mode of transport is not convenient. Capacity of tank containers range from 7500 to 26000 liters. The tank is welded inside the frame, which protects the tank from damage during handling and serves as rollover protection in the event of an accident. Apart from strict standards including stacking, longitudinal and lateral inertia, the tank container’s frame is also impact tested to meet rail and road standards.
There are many advantages to using tank containers for shipping needs. They are:
- Safe (purpose built)
- Durable (can last 20-30 years or more)
- Cost effective
- Intermodal (offer secure door-to-door transport)
- Can be stored either loaded or empty
- Can be cleaned and placed into an alternative commodity service with a minimum down time
- Periodically tested and certified
In recent years shipping has witnessed huge changes in the way it operates especially in areas concerning safety. This drive is not only by the shipping line but also to a considerable extent by the regulatory authorities such as IMO, DOT etc., cargo types, shipper demands, insurance companies, chemical industry, local governments, etc. Carriage of liquids has been one area of serious concern for everyone. Irrespective of whether the prospect of leakage is that of a “hazardous chemical” or that of “flammable liquid”, the quality assurance and failure implications demand attention. It would be fair to state that such considerations are a key to driving future trends notwithstanding the rate and volume attractions. The carriage demands being given, these will be met by tank containers which have specifically evolved to meet such challenges.
Whether your requirements are for standard tank containers or specialized equipment, together with our engineering partners Spectra offers a project managed solution. We offer short and long-term storage solutions and our “stock chain” management can help remove your fixed storage costs. With a specific focus on specialized transport for the more sensitive or extremely hazardous cargos; or JiT/ time-critical supply chain solutions, backed by our safely first conscious culture and bespoke tank management systems, your cargo is in safe hands.
