Choosing Half Height Containers - What to Expect

When it comes to ordering half height containers, to many people, it seems like a big, daunting process. Though there is a lot to do in design, manufacturing, production, and obtaining certification, having a professional team of experts to assist with the entire process can save a lot of headaches. Additionally, a seasoned team of container constructors can offer advice and help prevent problems well before they arise.

The First Steps
A client contacts the manufacturing company (in this case, BSL Offshore), to obtain quotes and pricing on half height containers. This is simple enough—but it's also a crucial point in the process. It is important for the client to know the following things prior to ordering half height containers:

• What commodities will be stored and/or carried in the containers
• The amount of product to be stored and/or transported
• How the cargo will need to be accessed (top loading/unloading or side loading/unloading
• The available budget for the amount of half height containers needed

The type of commodities to be stored or transported must be fitting for half height containers—for example, it wouldn't make sense to carry liquid gas in an open top half height container...that would be more appropriate for a chemical tank. However, tools and pipes are most appropriate for half height containers, and open tops can be covered with an approved tarpaulin for transport when necessary.
The amount of cargo will determine how many half height containers will be needed, and the available budget will indicate how many half height containers are practical for the business's applications. However, if budget constraints are a problem, consider that offshore containers are built to last longer than standard marine containers—therefore, the initial investment will pay itself off well when compared to standard containers. Offshore half height containers do not have to be replaced as often as their standard counterparts, and with proper maintenance and quality assurance, they pay for themselves in a very short period of time.
Determining how the cargo will be accessed can help decide if side doors or removable doors will need to be added to the initial design. Knowing this ahead of time will help control cost factors, as well as save the end-user time when loading and unloading their chosen commodities.

Expect Quality
Even with the first steps of design and obtaining quotes, consumers should expect high quality advice, design suggestions, and direct, expedient answers to their questions. Every order inquiry should be treated with the same care and attention, whether if it is for an order of 10 half height containers or 1000. Expect that the materials used in production will not only be compliant with the DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079, but superior grade and thickness when compared to other containers. Offshore containers are built to last through the harshest environmental conditions—and to be used anywhere, in any application.