Flexitank
Also known as: Flexitank · Flexibag · Flexi bag · Flexi
A flexitank is not a container. It is a large, single-use plastic bag that is placed inside a standard 20' dry container to carry non-hazardous liquids in bulk.
Specifications
Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.
| Capacity | 16–24 m³ |
|---|
Typical cargo
Non-hazardous liquids: wine, juice concentrates, edible oils, glycerine, latex, base oils, and liquid fertiliser.
In plain words
A flexitank holds about 16,000 to 24,000 litres. It is installed in a clean 20' DV with a strong bulkhead at the doors, filled through a valve, and emptied at destination. After that, the bag is thrown away or recycled, and the container goes back into normal use.
Flexitanks are cheaper than ISO tanks for one-way trips, because there is no tank to return or clean. But they are only for non-hazardous liquids, and not every shipping line accepts them; many lines ask for approval and a container in very good condition. A leak can damage other cargo and the ship, so check the flexitank supplier's quality and liability insurance.
Example from real shipping
A Turkish olive oil exporter ships 22,000 litres of oil to a bottler abroad. Instead of 1,100 drums, the oil goes in a flexitank inside one 20' DV. The bottler pumps it out on arrival, and the empty bag is recycled.
Related terms
- ISO Tank containerAn ISO tank is a steel tank fixed inside a 20-foot container frame. It carries liquids, gases, and powders in bulk, and it moves by ship, truck, and train like a normal container.
- 20' DVA 20' DV is the standard 20-foot closed steel container for general dry cargo. It is the smallest common ocean container.
- Dry Bulk containerA dry bulk container is a 20' container with loading hatches in the roof and a discharge hatch at the bottom of the door end. It carries free-flowing dry goods without bags.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.