Types of Maritime Containers for Cargo Transport

More than 90 percent of all maritime containers worldwide are dry cargo units, but even they vary in size. Understanding which size of cargo container to choose becomes crucial, as it determines the capacity of your cargo and, consequently, the cost of transportation—different container sizes are usually associated with different tariffs. There are cases when certain goods cannot be transported in regular closed containers.

Depending on the nature of the cargo, a specific type of container may be required. For example, the transportation requirements for coal and fish are clearly different. In connection with this, the standardization of maritime containers has simplified the process of choosing the appropriate type and understanding their purpose.

Types of Cargo Containers

Maritime large-tonnage (universal) containers differ in type and size. For any type of cargo, you can choose a container that is most suitable for its parameters.

The most widely used are standard, so-called "dry" containers (DC - Dry Container):

1. DC containers for transporting "dense" or heavy goods of small size are best suited for 20-foot containers;
2. For transporting light but bulky goods - 40-foot standard or "high" (High Cube) containers;

1. Refrigerated containers used for goods requiring temperature control;
2. Open Top (soft tarp instead of a rigid roof) - convenient for top loading;
3. Flat Rack (open platform) - for transporting oversized cargo;
4. Tank containers (Tank) - for liquids and gases;
5. Offshore containers.

Dry Cargo Containers (DC)

The most common type of maritime containers, without a doubt, is dry cargo containers designed for storing dry goods. They make up approximately 90 percent of all cargo containers, with the main sizes being 20- and 40-foot options made of aluminum or steel. These containers are suitable for transporting most types of cargo.

Aluminum dry cargo containers have a slightly higher payload capacity compared to steel ones, while steel containers of this type have a slightly larger internal volume.

The most common sizes of dry cargo containers are:

• 20-foot container for dry cargo (20ft DC)
• 40-foot container for dry cargo (40ft DC)

High Cube Dry Cargo Containers (HC)

High Cube dry cargo containers do not have any significant differences from regular containers, except for their height. With one extra foot in height, they provide additional space for cargo. High Cube dry cargo containers are most commonly available in the following sizes:

• 40-foot High Cube dry cargo container (40ft HC)
• 45-foot High Cube dry cargo container (45ft HC)

Open Top Containers (OT)

Open Top containers are another standard type of maritime containers primarily used for transporting oversized and heavy cargo. The absence of the top facilitates the loading and unloading of bulky and heavy goods, and they can be covered with a tarpaulin instead of a steel or aluminum roof.

• 20-foot open top container (20ft OT)
• 40-foot open top container (40ft OT)
• 40-foot High Cube open top container (40ft OT HC)

Flat Rack Containers (FR)

Flat Rack containers with folding sides are easily adaptable and are excellent for transporting various goods, including extremely heavy loads that need to be loaded from the top or the side. Flat Rack containers can have either collapsible or fixed sides and can be supplied with or without sides.

• 20-foot Flat Rack container (20ft FR)
• 40-foot Flat Rack container (40ft FR)
• 40-foot High Cube Flat Rack container (40ft FR HC)

Refrigerated Containers (RF)

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers, are used for transporting goods that require strict temperature control, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat. They are equipped with a refrigeration system that connects to the power supply of the transport vessel.

• 20-foot refrigerated container (20ft RF)
• 40-foot refrigerated container (40ft RF)

Thermal Containers

These transport containers are equipped with a temperature control system, usually designed to maintain higher temperatures than standard containers. They are ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive products, especially over long distances.

• 20-foot insulated container
• 40-foot insulated container

Tank Containers

In logistics, tank containers play a significant role, serving as specialized tanks for transporting various liquids and liquefied gases. The volume of these tanks ranges from 26 to 35 cubic meters. Some of them are equipped with steam heating or thermal insulation, ensuring the temperature maintenance of the transported liquid. Freight tank containers come in several types:

• IMO0: Designed for transporting food liquids such as milk, juices, and mineral waters. The tank capacity ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 liters, with wall thickness within 2 mm.
• IMO1: Used for transporting hazardous goods such as flammable and oxidizing materials, aggressive and toxic substances, and other dangerous liquids. The tank capacity varies from 14,000 to 30,000 liters, and the wall thickness can reach 8 mm.
• IMO2: Applied for transporting non-hazardous goods, including substances with low toxicity and corrosive liquids. The tank capacity is 21,000 to 30,000 liters, and the wall thickness is 3-4 mm.
• IMO5: Used for transporting liquefied and compressed gas, as well as other easily flammable liquids with an operating pressure in the container of more than 7 bar (in other containers - from 2 to 6 bar).

Specialized Shipping Containers

There are several main types of containers mentioned above that are most common in the field of cargo transportation. However, in addition to them, there are many specialized transport containers designed for specific purposes and adapted for particular types of cargo.

These specialized containers include:

• Ventilated Transport Container: These containers are equipped with a ventilation system that allows removing hot air and maintaining the inflow of fresh air. They are often used for transporting goods such as coffee, hence the name "coffee containers".
• ISO Marine Tank Container: Designed for transporting liquids and gases, these containers can accommodate various cargoes, including oil and hazardous substances.
• Tunnel Transport Container: This container is similar to standard dry cargo containers but has doors on both ends, facilitating access.
• Transport Container with Open Side: A standard dry cargo container with side doors for easy access.
• Transport Container with Double Doors: Similar to the previous type, except that the doors can cover the entire side, providing better side access.