Carriage of

Flexitanks in
Containers

CARGO
Carriage of Flexitanks in
Containers
CONTENTS International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
(MARPOL), annex V.
Introduction................................................................................................... 01
Even if the contents are not foodstuffs, the risk of the leakage
Problems with Flexitanks........................................................................ 01
being harmful should be low since the carriage of hazardous
Structural Damage to the Container or Loss of
Ship Stability from Flexitanks................................................................ 01 products is not permitted in flexitanks in accordance with the
Common Standards of Flexitank Carriage...................................... 02 International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
Acknowledgements................................................................................... 02 Leakage of contents could cause wet damage to other cargo.
Checklist to Assist Members................................................................. 03 Some of the factors causing leakage following damage to the
flexitank are:
Introduction incorrect assembly in the container, resulting in chaffing
Flexitanks have been in use for the carriage of non-hazardous damage during the voyage
chemicals, oils, wine and other bulk liquids in 20’ maritime dry not following procedures in closing container doors, resulting
containers since the 1970s. They are now widely available in in pinching damage
sizes ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 litres for use with liquids of not following procedures in stowing filling pipe, resulting in
varying densities. pinching damage
The main problems with the carriage of flexitanks in standard poor handling practice, resulting for example in forklift
containers appear all to be related to the stowage, filling, damage.
handling and securing of the flexitanks, which result in leakage
Expansion and contraction problems where the container is
of the contents. Containers with flexitanks may not be declared
subject to very high and low temperatures may also cause
as ‘specials’ and may not appear on the specials list along with
damage. There is a pressure-release valve and the tanks are
dangerous goods, reefer, out-of-gauge and high-cube
rated in expansion and contraction to limits that should cater
containers – so problems may only show up on board if there is
for these extremes.
a leak or the flexitank has been stuffed in an inappropriate
container.
Structural Damage to the Container or Loss of Ship
Stability from Flexitanks
Problems with Flexitanks
There may be safety issues resulting from static or dynamic
Flexitank construction ranges from single to multi-layered.
stresses from slopping liquid affecting container structure or
Multi-layered flexitanks – with a minimum of four layers - are
affecting ship stability.
recommended for all applications involving sea transport in a
20’ container. Most manufacturers and suppliers of flexitanks Flexitanks are chosen by size and density of liquid to be carried
offer detailed training for customers and loading assistance on the basis of being 100% full, which is said to avoid the
from attending technicians. dynamic slopping liquid stresses that can be associated with
less-than-full tank containers. The fact that flexitanks are 100%
Some flexitanks manufacturers and suppliers produce warning
full also suggests there may be no significant free surface
labels for the doors of containers so
effect on the stability of the ship.
it may be possible for the crew on
board to identify a container with a Typical advice from manufacturers and suppliers of flexitanks is
flexitank after stowing. that the container must be a standard 20’ ISO container
suitable for the safe transport of up to 24,000 kg of non-
Leakage of contents could cause
hazardous liquid in a flexitank.
wet damage to other cargo but if
the contents are foodstuffs there A 2013 study of Flexitank carriage carried out by Germanischer
should be no ‘chemical’ hazards but Lloyd (GL) on behalf of the German Insurance Association
there may be a hazard from slips, (GDV) examined the structural strength of a 20’ container in
trips and falls. However, care should relation to lateral accelerations from Flexitanks at sea. The
be taken in disposing of leaked study concluded that for unrestricted ocean carriage in a ship
contents since they might be ‘cargo over 170 m in length – including in the North Atlantic – the
residues’, which are classified as maximum recommended weight of a Flexitank container
category 4 garbage under the should be 15 tonnes. If avoiding the North Atlantic the

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01 Cargo / Carriage of Flexitanks in Containers

Carriage of Flexitanks in
Containers (cont.)
maximum weight should be 18 tonnes. In ships of less than 170 Disclaimer
m in length a lateral acceleration force of 0.8G (CTU Guidelines) The purpose of this publication is to provide a source of information which is
is often exceeded and the recommended weights for additional to that available to the maritime industry from regulatory, advisory,
and consultative organisations. Whilst care is taken to ensure the accuracy
Flexitanks are correspondingly much lower. of any information made available no warranty of accuracy is given and users
of that information are to be responsible for satisfying themselves that the
The maximum age of a container should be no more than information is relevant and suitable for the purposes to which it is applied.
three years and the Container Safety Convention (CSC) data In no circumstances whatsoever shall North be liable to any person whatsoever
plate must be valid or show a valid ACEP (Approved Continuous for any loss or damage whensoever or howsoever arising out of or in
connection with the supply (including negligent supply) or use of information.
Examination Program) and certify that the container is rated for
a minimum of 30,480 kg. Unless the contrary is indicated, all articles are written with reference to
English Law. However it should be noted that the content of this publication
does not constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such.
Common Standards of Flexitank Carriage Members should contact North for specific advice on particular matters.
In June 2006 the Container Owners Association’s flexitank Published June 2013.
working group set in motion a process of discussion and
investigation with flexitank manufacturers and suppliers, with
the aim of developing a code of practice for flexitank operation.

Acknowledgements
North would like to thank the following for help in preparing this
briefing:

Taylor Marine TR Little

Telephone: +44 151 236 8806
Website: [Link]
Philton Polythene Converters
Telephone: +44 126 869 6331
Website: [Link]

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02 Cargo / Carriage of Flexitanks in Containers

Carriage of Flexitanks in
Containers (cont.)
Checklist to Assist Members
The following checklist should assist Members with the
carriage of flexitanks by ensuring that suitable preparations are
carried out. In general terms if the answer to one or more of
these questions is ‘NO’ then there may be a potential problem.
1. Is the flexitank selected suitable for the product in terms
of density – total weight of product and container
considered?
2. Is the flexitank selected going to be 100% full?
3. Is the flexitank constructed of four or more layers?
4. Is the flexitank top loading?
5. Is the top of the flexitank fitted with a pressure relief valve?
6. Has a standard steel 20’ ISO container suitable for the safe
transport of up to 24,000 kg of non-hazardous liquid in a
flexitank been allocated?
7. Is the allocated container less than 3 years old?
8. Does the allocated container have a valid CSC plate (rated
to minimum of 30,480Kg)?
9. Is the allocated container free of any apparent damage/
weakness in the side panels?
10. Are the side panels of the allocated container corrugated?
11. The ship will not be sailing in the North Atlantic?
12. The ship on which the Flexitank is carried is 170 meters or
more in length?
13. The total weight of the flexitank is 15 tonnes or less?
14. Is the flexitank being installed in the allocated container by
trained persons from the manufacturer or the supplier?
15. Is the flexitank being filled by trained persons from the
manufacturer or the supplier?
16. Is the retaining bulkhead at the container doors approved/
supplied by the flexitank manufacturer or supplier?
17. Are the insides of the container side walls (at least 1.5m
high) and the floor lined - for example - with single face
cardboard?
18. Are the manufacturer’s or supplier’s approved inspection,
installation, loading and discharging procedure being
followed?
19. Has a warning label been fixed to the left hand door?
Example: Caution flexitank container with bulk non-
hazardous liquid (Commodity). Do not open left hand
door until flexitank is emptied. Do not loose shunt.

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03 Cargo / Carriage of Flexitanks in Containers