ISO Tank container
Also known as: ISO Tank · Tank container · TK · 20TK · 20' Tank · IMO tank
An 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.
Specifications
Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.
| Tare weight | 3,700 kg |
|---|---|
| Max payload | 32,300 kg |
| Capacity | 14–26 m³ |
Typical cargo
Bulk liquids: chemicals (hazardous and non-hazardous), food-grade oils and juices, alcohol, liquefied gases in special tanks, and some powders.
In plain words
The tank is usually made of stainless steel and holds about 14,000 to 26,000 litres (14–26 m³). Tanks for dangerous goods are built and tested to the IMDG Code and carry a tank type code, for example T11. Some tanks have steam or electric heating for cargo that becomes thick when cold, and some are insulated.
For most liquids, a tank should be filled to between about 80% and 95% of its capacity. Too little cargo lets the liquid surge and makes the tank unstable; too much leaves no room for the liquid to expand. The weight limit is often reached before the tank is full, especially with heavy liquids. Tanks must be cleaned between cargoes, and the next shipper usually asks for a cleaning certificate.
Example from real shipping
A chemical producer ships 22,000 litres of a non-hazardous liquid resin with a density of 1.1. The cargo weighs about 24.2 tonnes and fills the tank to about 88%. The tank operator supplies a cleaned tank with a cleaning certificate, and the resin travels door to door without being repacked.
Related terms
- FlexitankA 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.
- 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.
- 20' DVA 20' DV is the standard 20-foot closed steel container for general dry cargo. It is the smallest common ocean container.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
- TankerA tanker is a truck or semi-trailer with a fixed tank for liquids, gases, or powders in bulk. It is filled and emptied through valves and hoses.
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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.