Maritime transport is one of the most widely used means of transporting goods around the world. More and more companies are relying on ocean freight for their logistics needs.
The advantages offered by sea transport are very interesting:
- It is more economical. Maritime transport offers much lower costs than other types of transport, such as air or rail transport.
- Security. Maritime transport can be considered one of the safest means of transporting goods. They offer their own safety protocols that allow them to transport heavy and dangerous goods with all the guarantees.
- Efficiency. The arrangement of goods in containers makes it possible to group and organize shipments more efficiently. This allows loading large volumes of goods in a safe and orderly manner.
Containers are therefore a fundamental factor defining the efficiency of maritime transport.
Let’s go into a little more detail about the containers used in maritime transport, here we go!
What are shipping containers like?
Ocean containers are cargo units used in intermodal transportation. Designed to store and transport goods safely and efficiently, they allow easy and fast handling of large volumes of cargo through different means of transport without the need to unload the goods.
Regulations and Certifications
Shipping containers are subject to international standards, specifically ISO 668 and 1496, which define their dimensions, strength and other essential parameters. These regulations guarantee the safety and compatibility of containers worldwide, ensuring that they can be used anywhere in the world without inconvenience.
Main types and characteristics of containers for maritime transport
Containers are not only used to transport a large volume of goods, the containerized transport methodology optimizes space and allows to develop different operations related to its handling in a faster way.
Containerized transport is a standardized model under the ISO668 and 1496 standards where its characteristics are defined, such as length (20, 30 and 40 feet).
In addition to all this, it is possible to find different types of containers that meet the needs of transporting different materials.
We are going to list the most common types of containers in maritime transport:
Dry Van Containers
Dry Van type containers are the most commonly used for the transport of goods by sea.
They are a type of container designed in an airtight and non-ventilated manner. They are recommended for transporting dry goods.
They are made of steel and can be stacked up to 8 levels, allowing for a large loading volume.
Typical models reach 20 and 40 feet. In some type of merchandise, 10-foot Dry Van containers can be seen.
High Cube Containers
The High Cube containers have a very similar design to the Dry Van, the only major difference being the height. High Cube containers are over 2.89 meters high and Dry Van containers are almost 2.6 meters high.
Thanks to this maximum height, it is possible to transport loads with larger dimensions and large volumes.
Open Side Containers
This type of container has the same design as the Dry Van but with the addition of large 4-wing doors on the sides to facilitate the introduction of goods for loading and unloading functions.
With these containers it is much easier to access the goods or load in a more comfortable way than with other types of containers.
Open Top Containers
The measurements and design are very similar to the base Dry Van model, but they have a great peculiarity: they do not have a roof.
This facilitates loading and unloading from the top of the container, making it easier to handle heavy goods.
The standard sizes of these containers are 20 and 40 feet.
The unroofed top is usually covered with a tarpaulin securely fastened to the container.
Flat Rack Container
This is an ideal type of container for very heavy and oversized goods. In other words, machinery or automobiles are the type of goods usually loaded in these containers.
It has no roof or side walls, facilitating the loading and unloading of the container.
Refrigerated Container
As the name suggests, this type of container is designed to transport goods that require temperature control. They can maintain temperatures from -30to +40 C and there are even models that can reach -60 C.
They have the standard dimensions for containers, although it is possible to find 10-foot containers.
Tank Container
They are containers that resemble a tank with the dimensions of a standard container. They are designed to store liquid goods. Easy handling for both liquid loading and unloading.
Thanks to this wide variety of container models, maritime transport is considered the most economical and effective way to transport goods. The capacity to adapt to different volumes and types of goods is very difficult to find in other means of transport.
Construction materials and durability
Marine containers are mainly made of corten steel, a type of corrosion-resistant steel. This material is ideal for withstanding the adverse conditions of the marine environment, such as moisture and salinity.
In addition to steel, some containers may include aluminum and composite materials to reduce weight and increase strength.
Benefits of each material
Steel: Offers high durability and structural strength, ideal for heavy loads and extreme conditions.
Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion resistant, perfect for containers that require less weight.
Composite materials: Combine strength and lightness, optimizing space utilization and transport efficiency.
These materials ensure that containers maintain their structural integrity over long periods, withstanding wear and tear and constant exposure to environmental factors, thus guaranteeing safety and efficiency in maritime transport.
Technology and modernization
Today, sea containers are equipped with advanced technology to improve their management and tracking. The use of GPS systems makes it possible to locate containers in real time, optimizing transport routes and improving logistics efficiency.
The implementation of IoT sensors in containers allows monitoring various conditions, such as temperature and humidity, in real time. This technology is especially useful for refrigerated containers and those transporting sensitive goods.
These technological innovations not only improve the security and control of goods, but also facilitate logistics management, reducing costs and transit times. In addition, they allow a rapid response to any incident, ensuring the integrity of the cargo throughout the entire maritime transport process.
Maintenance and safety
Regular maintenance of shipping containers is crucial to ensure their longevity and safety. This maintenance includes periodic inspections to detect and repair possible damage, as well as the application of protective coatings to prevent corrosion.
It is essential to ensure that doors, locks and seals are in perfect condition to maintain the integrity of the cargo.
Safety in the transport of sea containers is a priority. Containers must meet international safety standards and undergo rigorous inspections prior to use.
In addition, safety protocols are implemented during loading and unloading to avoid accidents and ensure the protection of the goods.
What are the dimensions of containers for maritime transport?
As mentioned above, the containers are standardized by the ISO668 and 1496 standards, and their dimensions are subject to definition.
The general dimensions of a container for maritime transport are 20 and 40 feet.
In some particular cases, it is possible to use 10-foot containers, such as Dry Van containers.
But what does this measure amount to?
Conversion from feet to meters
The length of containers is measured in feet, a unit of length that is as old as it is effective.
The value of 1 foot is equal to 0,3048 m.
Thus, the standardized measurements for the containers would be equivalent to:
- 10 feet = 3,048 meters.
- 20 feet = 6,096 meters.
- 40 feet = 12,192 meters.
Containers are the key factor in making shipping a benchmark in the global logistics sector
