Tank containers, also known as "tanktainers," are intermodal containers designed for the transport of liquids, gases, and powders, both hazardous and non-hazardous.
The first commercial tank container was developed in 1966, and in 1969, they received Lloyd's Register approval for international transport for the first time. Finally, in 1970, they reached the final stage of development into their current form, with initial production in Europe and later primarily in China and South Africa.
This type of container is suitable for various modes of transport and, as such, they are also referred to as "ISO tanks."
These containers consist of a steel vessel covered by an insulating layer, usually made of polyurethane and aluminum, housed within a steel frame (tank chassis) with standard ISO dimensions (6.05 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 2.55 meters high). A tank container can hold up to 26,000 liters of material.
ITCO (an international trade organization) estimates that the global tank container fleet consists of approximately 552,000 units, managed mainly by specialized operators and leasing companies.
Tank containers can be loaded and unloaded from both the top and the bottom, where valves are located for connection to loading/unloading pumps.
Photo of new containers
