In brief
A tank container (ISO tank) is a standardized specialized container for the safe transport and storage of liquids, gases, and powdered hazardous materials. It consists of a cylindrical stainless-steel tank embedded in a high-strength ISO steel frame. Thanks to its standardized external dimensions, it can be used seamlessly in intermodal rail, road, and sea transport.
What is a tank container used for?
Tank containers cover the global handling of liquid and gaseous bulk goods:
- Chemical & hazardous goods transport: Seamless transport of acids, alkalis, resins, solvents, and fuels in accordance with RID/ADR regulations.
- Food industry: Hygienic transport of edible oils, fruit juices, milk, wine, beer, or liquid sugar (in food-grade stainless steel tanks).
- Gas logistics: Specialized gas tank containers transport liquefied gases (LPG, LNG) under high pressure.
- Stationary on-site storage: Used as a flexible tank system module on factory premises for the storage of process materials or auxiliary supplies.
Terminology: Tank container vs. IBC container vs. road tanker
- Tank container: Standardized 20-foot ISO container for intermodal freight transport by ship, truck, and rail. Can be stacked like a shipping container and transferred globally.
- IBC container (Intermediate Bulk Container): Significantly smaller, pallet-sized liquid container (usually a 1,000-liter plastic bladder in a steel cage) for easy handling in warehouses or on trucks.
- Tank trucks / Tank trailers: Permanently mounted truck body. Not craneable, not stackable on ships, and tied to the carrier vehicle.