Sea transport is the second most transported method. It is economical and has a very low accident rate. However, in addition to its many advantages, it also has its drawbacks. These are mainly due to the conditions on ships. Goods carried in containers are exposed to high humidity, temperature changes, lack of adequate air circulation and high salinity. Storms are also a risk, during which the heeling of ships can cause mechanical damage to poorly secured cargo. Proper marine packaging and securing of cargo for sea transport aims to eliminate the risks cited above.
Proper packing in wooden transport crates with simultaneous anti-corrosion protection using ALU composite film in combination with moisture absorbers is a proper, standard-compliant way to guarantee delivery of goods by sea in an intact condition. Omitting to pack the protected goods in a crate significantly increases the risk of mechanical damage to the protection and thus dramatically increases the risk of damage to the goods themselves during transport.
In sea transport, we take into account at the packaging design stage:
We also initially assess the strength of the ‘original’ product packaging that we receive from the customer. These are often insufficient and we therefore recommend additional forms of protection. Furthermore, we prepare the goods for packaging, which includes, among other things:
As we have already written, sea transport brings many challenges, including those related to weather conditions. Moisture, temperature changes and salinity are just some of the elements that can affect the condition of your cargo. It is important to note that when packing for sea transport, our focus is not so much on containerisation, but primarily on the production of wooden packaging, the packing service itself and the securing of goods in crates. The idea behind packing for sea transport is to protect the equipment in ALU film, which, together with moisture absorbers, gives corrosion protection to the packed components. This is known as vaccum packing. Loading and stowing the containers is the final step.
At Opakowania Eksportowe, we have proven methods for the challenges of sea transport and know how to overcome them. Our team are qualified experts who know exactly how to protect your goods and container from various weather conditions. We offer a full range of services, from advice to the execution of specific protections, so that you can rest assured of your goods.
1. PROTECTION AGAINST MOISTURE
Moisture is one of the biggest risks in sea transport. To minimise its impact, it is advisable to use hydrophobic materials, ALU composite-barrier films and moisture absorbers.
2. PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION
Salinity and humidity can corrode metal components and damage other materials. The type and intensity of these stresses depend on the transport route, the duration of transport, temporary storage and the properties of the packaged products and their vulnerability to damage. The use of suitable anti-corrosion coatings and sea salt resistant materials can significantly increase the safety of your cargo. Let us know if your goods are highly susceptible to corrosion. They may require the use of additional corrosion protection in addition to the standard ALU film with moisture absorbers. We will probably suggest:
3. TEMPERATURE
Temperature changes can be detrimental to many types of goods. This is why we also take care to provide adequate thermal insulation in special cases.
Choosing the right packaging for sea transport is one of the most important steps in the transport process. Opakowania Eksportowe has more than 15 years of experience in this field and we want to share our knowledge with you. You can rest assured that we will help you choose the best materials to secure your sea container. We are very familiar with the conditions on cargo ships and know what type of security to choose for your cargo.
Here are the basic materials we use when securing an ocean container:
WOOD is one of the most traditional materials used for outer packaging. According to current technical knowledge, solid wood or plywood is particularly suitable for long transport or storage in open areas. The lumber must meet the relevant requirements of the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention), ISPM-15 – the international standard for phytosanitary measures in international trade. It is relatively cheap and readily available. In practice, this means that we deal with the packing of goods for sea transport in wooden crates (see more), on pallets and wooden platforms (see more) and the overall stowage of cargo in containers (see more).
PLASTIC is increasingly being used in security, especially in the form of shrink wraps, seals or zip ties. They are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. One method of securing goods, especially bulky items, is shrink packaging. Click and find out more, as it may be just what you are looking for.
METAL SECURITY ELEMENTS, such as steel beams, angles and blocking, are extremely durable. However, they are heavier and can increase the cost of transportation.
Your container security: If you know that you will be using sea transport, you are surely wondering how best to secure your container. Properly securing your shipping container is key to your success in transporting goods safely. Here are some of the key elements that we will take care of for you. Know that the comprehensiveness of our services sets us apart in the market.
Container stowage: This is the immobilisation of packed goods in such a way that any loads do not cause damage to them during transport. We perform dunnage using wooden dunnage squares, certified lashing systems, air cushions and also other materials depending on the type of load.
Additional indicators: Opakowania Eksportowe also offers indicators that can be placed in the container to monitor, for example, tilting or shocks. This ensures that your goods are not damaged during transport.
Security seals: Seals are disposable security elements that can be easily checked for tampering. Seals can be made from a variety of materials, including metal and plastic, and are often numbered for easy identification.
Remember that each type of cargo and container may require an individual approach. The method of stowage is also very important, which you can find out more about here. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult experts in order to select the most suitable securing methods. If you have additional questions or concerns, we are here to help you.
Securing a shipping container is a process where mistakes are easy to make. Improper securing can lead to damage to the cargo and to serious financial take-offs. At Opakowania Eksportowe, we have a wealth of experience in avoiding such mistakes and we want you to benefit from it. One of the most common mistakes when attempting to prepare goods for sea transport yourself is using the wrong materials, lacking effective protection and insulation to withstand sea weather conditions. By opting for our help, you will be assured that the materials will be adapted to the type of cargo and transport conditions.
Put the packing and securing of your sea container in the hands of specialists! Contact us today and see how seriously we take the safety of your goods. Know that our goal is to secure your goods in such a way that they arrive at their destination without damage and in perfect condition to your customer’s satisfaction.
See also:
Container stowage
Packaging offer
Packaging services
Relocation of machinery and equipment