ISO Tank Containers (New & Pre-owned)

Find ISO Tank Shipping Containers For Sale

ISO Tank Containers provide an efficient solution for storing and transporting liquids and substances. Built within a durable frame, they come in various grades to suit specialised requirements.

 

ISO tanks are specialised intermodal containers designed for the safe and efficient transportation of bulk liquids, gases, and powders, particularly those requiring secure, temperature-controlled environments.

The name “ISO tank” originates from the International Standards Organization. This body sets rules for how these tanks are designed and made. ISO tanks have a standard size, shape, and safety features, featuring a stainless steel cylinder within a steel frame that matches the dimensions of a standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container.

ISO tanks offer several benefits, including consistent quality and secure containment, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination or loss of their contents. Furthermore, their reusability contributes to eco-efficiency, and their intermodal capability allows for seamless transportation across various modes such as truck, rail, and sea.

Commodity Types Suited to ISO Tanks

The types of commodities suited to ISO tank transport include:

1. Chemicals (Hazardous & Non-Hazardous)

• Organic and inorganic chemicals
• Acids and alkalis (e.g. sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, caustic soda)
• Solvents (e.g. acetone, methanol, toluene)
• Isocyanates and resins

2. Gases (Liquefied or Pressurized)

• LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
• Ammonia
• Refrigerants
• Liquid nitrogen, Oxygen/CO₂

Specialized ISO tanks (e.g. T50/T75 types) are used for gas transport, built to withstand high pressure and extreme temperature variations.

3. Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Liquids

• Glycerine
• Pharmaceutical intermediates
• Bulk active ingredients
• Cosmetic bases and extracts

High-purity, contamination-sensitive products benefit from the hygienic, sealed environment ISO tanks provide.

4. Alcohols and Biofuels

• Ethanol, methanol
• Biodiesel and renewable diesel
• Industrial-grade alcohols

ISO tanks support safe handling of flammable and volatile substances.

ISO Tanks Are Not Suited For:

• Small-volume shipments
• Dry cargo or granular solids (unless using specialized tank containers)
• Products highly reactive with stainless steel (unless coated tanks are used)

ISO Tanks Features

ISO tanks offer significant advantages for logistics beyond safety. Their design allows for easy stacking, which optimises space during storage and shipping. This translates to cost savings and improved logistical efficiency. These versatile tanks are suitable for transporting both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and their robust construction minimizes the risk of leaks and contamination, ensuring the integrity of the contents throughout transit.

• Robust Construction: Made from stainless steel, ensuring durability.
• Varied Capacities: Typically range from 17,500 to 26,000 liters.
• Insulation: Some tanks are equipped to maintain specific temperatures.
• Safety Measures: Include pressure relief valves and secure locking systems.

ISO Tank Container Types

The choice of ISO tank container type depends heavily on the specific characteristics of the cargo, including its hazardous classification, temperature requirements, and reactivity, as well as the desired volume and transport route. All ISO tank containers must comply with international regulations and undergo regular inspections and certifications to ensure safety and integrity during transit.

Standard ISO Tanks (T-Codes): 20-foot and 40-foot

Built to fit standard shipping dimensions, available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, they ensure easy integration into global logistics networks. Standard ISO Tanks are the most common and are categorized by “T-codes” (e.g., T1, T4, T11, T14, T50, T75). The “T” code indicates the tank’s technical specifications, which determine what type of cargo (hazardous, non-hazardous, gases, cryogenic liquids) can be safely transported.

• T1 ISO Tanks: Used for light liquids like wine.
• T4 ISO Tanks: Ideal for non-hazardous edible and non-edible oils.
• T11 ISO Tanks: Versatile tanks for various non-hazardous chemicals, liquid food, and some oil products.
• T14 ISO Tanks: Specifically designed for hazardous chemicals and acids, such as HCl and zinc chloride, with enhanced safety features and robust construction.
• T50 ISO Tanks: Used for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia gas.
• T75 ISO Tanks: Tailored for cryogenic liquids, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), oxygen, and nitrogen, requiring super insulation to maintain extremely low temperatures.

It’s important to note that the T-code itself doesn’t directly dictate the physical length or height of the tank container. Instead, the “T” code (T1 to T22, T50, T75) refers to the tank’s technical specifications, such as:

• Minimum Test Pressure (bar): How much pressure the tank can withstand.
• Minimum Shell Thickness (mm): The thickness of the tank’s stainless steel barrel.
• Pressure-Relief Requirements: Type and number of safety relief valves.
• Bottom Opening Requirements: Whether a bottom discharge is allowed and how many shut-off devices are required.

Refrigerated (Reefer) or Heated Tanks

Designed for temperature-sensitive products, these tanks include insulation and active heating or refrigeration systems. They maintain a stable internal temperature throughout transit, making them ideal for perishable liquids, pharmaceuticals, or temperature-controlled chemicals.

Gas Tanks

These specialized ISO tanks are reinforced to transport liquefied or compressed gases under high pressure. Typical gases include LPG, ammonia, nitrogen, oxygen, and CO₂. Equipped with safety valves and strong structural integrity, they adhere to stringent international safety standards.

Powder Tanks Powder or dry bulk tanks

They are designed to carry dry, free-flowing powders and granular substances such as cement, flour, sugar, or plastic pellets. They use air pressure to unload cargo, making them efficient and safe for handling non-liquid commodities.

Food-Grade Tanks

Specifically designed and certified for carrying consumable products such as milk, wine, oils, and juices. These tanks are made with stainless steel and often equipped with steam heating or refrigeration for product integrity

I’m a Return and Refund policy. I’m a great place to let your customers know what to do in case they are dissatisfied with their purchase. Having a straightforward refund or exchange policy is a great way to build trust and reassure your customers that they can buy with confidence.

I'm a shipping policy. I'm a great place to add more information about your shipping methods, packaging and cost. Providing straightforward information about your shipping policy is a great way to build trust and reassure your customers that they can buy from you with confidence.