by John Hayward June 16, 1999
As I continue to investigate the world of sea containers, our worst fears seem to be confirmed. There is quite of bit of variations in the field.
I have been working with leasing companies of the containers, as they have been the best source of information. They in turn, are providing engineering contacts for me to pursue, which is where I am now.
Inside dimensions do vary due to the construction techniques employed by the many manufacturers of the containers, primarily in the type of internal framing that is used. Thus far, the extremes of the key inside dimensions vary between:
Width; 2330 to 2353 mm, 2426 on the GeSeaCo SeaCell
Length: 12010 to 12089
Height: 2370 to 2694
I will tabulate my findings at a later date.
PROBLEM: The key dimension of focus is the width; one would like to arrange two 1200 mm dimension side-by-side across the width with a little room for maneuvering. Finally, getting the last pallet in has always been the problem. I will calculate volumetric efficiencies as I firm up the trend in dimensions.
Geseaco (the merged Genstar and Sea Containers companies) has introduced an interesting design called the SeaCell. Unfortunately, it is patented which I would think would hamper adaptation by the rest of the industry. While it conforms to the ISO requirements for specified outside dimensions, the corrugation of the sides has been pushed outwards and staggered so that the containers would interlock if placed side by side. However, this interlocking is not necessarily a requirement since adequate spacing is provided in between units in ship deck placement specifications. They have staggered the doorframe to one side that now allows the placement of the last pallet. They advertise this design as handling 30 European pallets (1200 x 800), 24 metric pallets (1200 x 1000) or 20 Australian pallets (1165 x 1165). At least one company is looking forward in this direction.
I have found it surprising more difficult to get relevant information that I originally expected; however, I do feel like I am on track. I am open to additional contacts should anyone on the task force have some good leads.