By definition, offshore containers as defined by the European Committee for Standardization EN-12079:2006 standard are “portable units, designed specifically for repeated use in transporting goods and equipment to, from or between fixed and floating offshore installations or ships.” For more information, visit tlc-yz.com.
A container offshore can also refer to a container or a portable tank for a dangerous good. According to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), offshore containers fall into three categories:
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Containers For Offshore Cargo
There are several types of offshore containers. Some of these include general cargo containers, cargo baskets, specialty containers, boxes and gas cylinder racks. Additionally, offshore portable tanks fall into this category. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code must also be met by these vessels when transporting dangerous goods offshore.
Containers Used For Offshore Services
Containers that are specifically built for a specific purpose and are generally temporary. For example, labs, control stations, and workshops.
Skip For Offshore Waste
An open or closed container for holding waste. As well as being known as “skids,” offshore containers are often used to transport large components to drilling rigs and production platforms. Such containers can simply be containers that contain the contents. As well as the skid, the content of the skid may be called a “skid package.”
Generally, offshore containers are different from ISO containers because of three factors:
Harsh Working Conditions
In rough weather conditions, offshore containers are also loaded directly to platforms while exposed to open sea. Additionally, materials of sufficient toughness for -20° C are needed in the primary structure if the minimum design temperature is specified as -20° C.
Unloading And Loading Forces
Most offshore containers cannot be loaded and unloaded with standard lift equipment such as spreader beams due to their configuration, which means they are subject to different types of pressure. Each offshore container comes with a sling set permanently attached. Generally, the castings do not have corner castings, or if they have them, they cannot be removed.
Custom Designs
Due to the fact that offshore containers are often built to fit a specific piece of equipment, they don’t fit into ISO container categories.
Terms To Know
CSC
Container Safety Convention (adopted in 1972). The IMO developed these regulations to establish uniform international safety standards for marine freight containers.
EN 12079
CEN members (EU plus Turkey, Macedonia, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland) require the use of the standard for offshore containers.
SOLAS
162 contracting States have ratified the SOLAS, sometimes called “Safety of Life at Sea.”. It obliges flag States to ensure their ships are built in accordance with minimum safety requirements.