What is a tank container?
A tank container, also known as an ISO tank container, is a stainless steel tank mounted within a standardized steel frame. The frame follows ISO container dimensions, allowing the tank container to be transported easily by ship, truck and train without transferring the liquid cargo between different transport modes.
Tank containers are specifically designed for the safe transport and storage of bulk liquids. They are widely used in international logistics because they offer a secure, efficient and cost-effective way to move large volumes of liquids across global supply chains.
Industries that frequently use tank containers include chemical manufacturing, food and beverage logistics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and industrial processing.
Tank containers for sale and rent
Alconet supplies both new and used tank containers for companies that need reliable liquid transport solutions. Depending on your operational requirements, we can help you select the right tank container for transporting chemicals, food-grade liquids or other bulk liquids.
Our tank container solutions include:
- ISO tank containers
- Chemical tank containers
- Food-grade tank containers
- Heated tank containers
- Swap body tank containers
All tank containers are built according to international ISO standards and are suitable for intermodal transport across global shipping routes.
IMO tank container types
Tank containers are classified according to international IMO (International Maritime Organization) standards. These classifications determine the type of liquids a container can safely transport and the required pressure and safety specifications.
- IMO 0 – Designed for non-hazardous liquids such as food products, oils and certain industrial liquids.
- IMO 1 – Suitable for hazardous liquids requiring higher pressure resistance and additional safety specifications.
- IMO 2 – Used for a wide range of chemical liquids with specific pressure requirements.
- IMO4 – Designed for lower-risk liquid cargo with reduced pressure requirements.
Our specialists can help determine which IMO tank container specification is required for your cargo, ensuring safe and compliant transport.
Advantages of ISO tank containers
Using ISO tank containers offers several advantages compared to traditional liquid transport methods such as drums or tank trucks.
- Efficient transport of large volumes of liquid cargo
- Reduced handling and packaging costs
- Lower risk of contamination or product loss
- Suitable for intermodal transport by ship, rail and truck
- Reusable and environmentally efficient solution
Because of these benefits, tank containers have become the preferred solution for international bulk liquid logistics.
Tank container specifications
Most ISO tank containers follow standardized dimensions that allow them to integrate seamlessly into global container transport systems. The most common tank containers have a 20ft frame and are designed to maximize capacity while maintaining safe weight limits.
Typical specifications include:
- Frame size: 20ft ISO container frame
- Tank material: stainless steel
- Protective outer frame for safe transport
- Capacity typically between 21,000 and 26,000 liters
- Insulation and heating options available
Specifications can vary depending on the type of liquid being transported and the required safety certifications.
Worldwide supply of tank containers
From our headquarters in Rotterdam and through our international depot network, Alconet supplies tank containers worldwide. We can arrange delivery to major ports, logistics hubs and industrial locations across Europe, the Mediterranean region and other global trade routes.
Whether you require tank containers for export logistics, long-term industrial storage or international liquid transport, our specialists can help you find the right solution.
Request a quote
Interested in buying or renting a tank container? Contact our team or request a quotation online. We will provide pricing, availability and delivery options tailored to your logistics requirements.
