Tank containers are used for transportation and storage of foodstuffs, non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals, liquefied gases and powders. Tank Containers are also referred 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. Tank containers are also certified to IMO, CSI, RID, ADR, UIC, AAR600 etc.
There are many advantages to use tank containers for shipping needs. Tank containers 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
Tank containers can be used to transport all types of non-hazardous and hazardous liquids, including but not limited to:
- Food grade (edible oils, juices, wine etc.)
- Oils
- Liquefied
- Flammables
- Corrosives
- Toxics
As per the ITCO (International Tank Container Organization) report – Assessment of Environmental impact of tank containers volume wise a common capacity of tank container can carry up to 24000 liters of cargo vs. 16400 liters in 80 drums. An investigation commissioned by the International Tank Container Organization into the environmental performance of intermodal tank containers reveals that the tank container leaves a carbon footprint that is almost 50 per cent less than of an equivalent drummed shipment on certain long-haul routes.
In recent years shipping has seen 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, the industry in particular the chemical sector, 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 “vegetable oil ” 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.