Key Takeaways:
- 20ft containers are compact, easier to handle, and ideal for dense, heavy cargo like machinery and pipes in tighter offshore spaces.
- 40ft containers provide double the volume capacity, reducing trips and costs for bulky equipment, but are less manoeuvrable and heavier.
- 20ft units are more cost-efficient for small, heavy loads, while 40ft units are better for large-scale offshore projects.
- Key decision factors include cargo size and weight, crane compatibility, vessel storage space, and compliance with DNV 2.7-1/ISO standards.
- The right container size improves safety, minimises downtime, and optimises offshore logistics efficiency.
Introduction
Open top containers provide a flexible and practical solution for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot be loaded via conventional container doors. Their open roof design, which simplifies crane or forklift loading/unloading, makes them perfect for handling large machinery and construction materials in offshore operations.
In offshore open-top containers, size is crucial since it determines the type of projects they can support and the volume of cargo that can be transported. The two most popular open top container size variants are 20 and 40-foot.
In practice, the 20-foot open top container is usually preferred for dense, heavy goods like steel coils and machinery. The 40-foot open-top container, on the other hand, handles about twice the volume of its counterpart. This makes it cost-effective for large-scale projects or bulk shipments that are common in offshore activities.
What Are Offshore Open Top Containers?
Offshore open top containers are specialised shipping containers without a fixed roof, but rather an open top protected by a detachable tarpaulin or hard cover. In practice, these containers are mission-critical to the transportation of large, heavy, or oddly shaped products that cannot fit through traditional container doors.
Constructed with corten steel, these adaptable containers are designed to satisfy strict offshore safety regulations whilst offering flexibility for vertical loading using cranes or gantries.
Generally, their distinctive design is particularly useful for handling oversized cargo as it overcomes the height and size limitations of traditional closed containers.
Also read: The Complete Guide to Offshore Open Top Container
20ft Open Top Container Specifications
The internal dimensions of a 20-foot open-top container are normally 5.90 meters long, 2.34 meters wide, and 2.35 meters high. Inherently, it possesses a roof opening of approximately 5.68 meters by 2.25 meters, allowing cargo to be easily loaded from above.
Its empty container weight is around 2,350 kilograms. Furthermore, it can handle a maximum payload of roughly 28,200 kilograms with a volume capacity of about 32 cubic meters. This makes it compact yet capable of carrying heavy loads.
Overall, the 20ft open top container is more compact and easier to handle compared to larger container variants, which appreciably reduces shipping and handling costs. In fact, its size makes it ideal for transporting tools, pipes, and smaller oversized equipment commonly found in offshore settings.
40ft Open Top Container Specifications
A 40-foot open-top container has a high volume capacity of roughly 66.4 cubic meters. Its internal dimensions are approximately 12.03 meters (39′ 5 1/2″) in length, 2.35 meters (7′ 8 1/2″) in width, and 2.38 meters (7′ 8″) in height.
Its roof opening measures roughly 11.57 meters by 2.21 meters, enabling easy loading of large or tall cargo. Furthermore, its empty weight is around 3,850 kilograms, and its maximum payload capacity is about 26,630 kilograms.
Compared to 20-foot containers, the 40-foot open-top container’s capacity to move large items in fewer trips improves logistical efficiency and lowers expenses. This makes it perfect for offshore applications where crane loading from above is necessary for massive construction machinery.
20ft vs 40ft: Side-by-Side Comparison
This side-by-side comparison table of 20ft and 40ft open-top containers should illustrate the major distinctions of each open-top medium.
| Parameter | 20ft Open Top Container | 40ft Open Top Container |
|---|---|---|
| Size (Internal Dimensions) | ~5.90m L x 2.34m W x 2.35m H | ~12.03m L x 2.35m W x 2.38m H |
| Volume Capacity | ~32 cubic meters | ~66.4 cubic meters |
| Empty Weight | ~2,350 kg | ~3,850 kg |
| Max Payload Capacity | ~28,200 kg | ~26,630 kg |
| Cost Efficiency | More cost-efficient for smaller, dense loads | More cost-efficient for large, bulky loads requiring fewer trips |
| Mobility | Easier handling and more manoeuvrable in tight spaces | Less manoeuvrable due to larger size, but reduces the frequency of trips |
20ft Open Top Container Pros
- It has a compact size for easier transport and handling, which makes it ideal for dense, heavy cargo.
- Lower transport costs for smaller shipments.
- Fits better in tight offshore spaces.
20ft Open Top Container Cons
- Limited volume capacity, as it may require multiple trips for large or bulky equipment.
- Height restrictions due to its smaller opening length.
40ft Open Top Container Pros:
- Higher volume capacity for bulky cargo, which reduces the number of trips needed and lowers overall transport costs.
- It’s suitable for oversized loads.
40ft Open Top Container Cons
- Heavier empty weight, which can potentially increase transport weight.
- Limits mobility in constrained sites due to its size.
- May involve higher upfront rental or purchase costs.
How To Choose the best container size for offshore operations?
When choosing the best container size for offshore operations, it’s imperative to consider several factors that align with both operational efficiency and safety. For instance:
- The type of cargo: Open top containers are better suited to large or oddly shaped equipment, where accessibility and height are important factors. Knowing the weight and size of the intended cargo helps avert the danger of structural damage.
- The offshore lifting and handling capability: Containers must be compatible with cranes and other handling equipment on vessels or rigs. Additionally, they need to have certified lifting points to guarantee a safe transfer even under challenging conditions.
- Transport logistics: It’s imperative to ensure the container size suits the available deck or storage space on offshore vessels. This appreciably reduces handling risks and maximises space efficiency.
- Certification compliance: Adherence to DNV 2.7-1 and ISO standards guarantees that containers withstand harsh offshore environments and meet safety and regulatory mandates.
Overall, the right open-top container should minimise the number of trips, handling efforts, and reduce cost and downtime—all whilst ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
Conclusion
In offshore operations, the cargo type and operational requirements play a major role in determining whether to deploy 20- or 40-foot open top containers. Because of its compact size, ease of handling, and affordability, the 20-foot container is perfect for moving heavy and small items like pipes and tools in tighter spaces.
In stark contrast, the 40ft container provides higher volume capacity and bulk transport capability than its counterpart. As such, it appreciably reduces the number of trips needed for large machinery and heavy offshore equipment.
MGS Offshore provides a broad selection of 20- and 40-foot open top containers that optimise operational efficiency and safety in offshore environments. These containers fulfil the strictest offshore safety and quality standards (DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079). Furthermore, they are stackable, multipurpose, and equipped with forklift pockets, top-corner pad eyes, and optional accessories like cargo nets and roof bows. So, reach out to MGS Offshore for expert guidance and certified solutions.
