Types of sea containers

What are the types of shipping containers and what are they used for?

Shipping containers are a crucial element of global goods transportation, and their variety allows them to be tailored to specific transport needs. Here are the most important types of shipping containers:

Standard containers, also known as dry containers, are the most commonly used in maritime transport. They are enclosed, have ventilation to ensure air circulation, and are available in various sizes, most commonly 20 and 40 feet long. These containers are suitable for transporting a wide range of goods that do not require special transport conditions, such as textiles, toys, machinery, and other dry goods.

Refrigerated containers, known as reefer containers, are equipped with cooling, heating, and ventilation systems that maintain a specific temperature inside the container. They are used for transporting goods that require controlled temperatures, such as food, medicines, or chemical products. Temperatures in these containers can be set from -30°C to +30°C, allowing the transport of both frozen and refrigerated goods.

Open top containers have a removable roof, making it easy to load and unload goods that do not fit through standard container doors. They are ideal for transporting heavy equipment, machinery, wood, and goods with irregular shapes. The roof can be made of canvas or metal, providing flexibility in loading.

Flat rack containers lack side walls and a roof, making them suitable for transporting very large or heavy loads. They have only side walls, which can be folded down, allowing the transport of machinery, vehicles, large cable reels, and other large items.

High cube containers are similar to standard containers but are about one foot taller, providing more internal space. They are 9.6 feet high (approximately 2.9 meters), compared to the standard 8.6 feet (approximately 2.6 meters). They are ideal for transporting lightweight but voluminous goods, such as furniture, household appliances, and more.

Tank containers are designed for transporting liquids, gases, and bulk materials in liquid form. They have internal tanks made of stainless steel and are used for transporting chemicals, fuels, and liquid food products, such as wine or oil.

Ventilated containers have ventilation openings that allow air circulation inside the container. They are ideal for transporting goods that require air circulation, such as coffee, cocoa, and wood. They protect the cargo from moisture and condensation, which is particularly important for organic products.

Insulated containers have walls, floors, and roofs with insulation, helping to maintain a stable temperature inside the container. They do not have their own cooling system, but the insulation helps keep the temperature of the goods stable. They are used for transporting goods that need protection from extreme temperatures, such as during short transports in changing climatic conditions.

Each of these containers is suited to transporting different types of cargo, making them extremely versatile and crucial in the global supply chain.