We recently had the pleasure of working for a well-known producer of tanks and equipment for various industries. He commissioned us to package oval tanks made of acid-coated steel. Due to the size and value of these tanks, it was crucial to use appropriate packaging techniques to ensure protection from mechanical damage and corrosion during sea transport.

This project required not only precise logistics, but also the right approach to optimise costs and loading space. By working closely with the client and our experienced team, we were able to create a packing plan that made efficient use of the available space while maximising load protection.

Cargo characteristics and requirements

Our task was to pack 27 large industrial tanks to be transported by sea to one of the North American countries. Each tank was characterised by its large dimensions, which posed a significant logistical challenge. The tanks, intended for use in the food industry, were made of acid steel, which requires special protection against corrosion and mechanical damage.

Transporting these tanks involved meeting several key requirements. First of all, we had to ensure that the tanks would be protected against any possible damage that might occur during sea transport, both during loading, unloading and during the voyage itself. The second important requirement was to protect the tanks from the effects of moisture, which is particularly important during prolonged transport across the ocean. Moisture could lead to corrosion, which could consequently affect the functionality and durability of the tanks.

Packing the tanks step by step

The first step in our packaging process was to prepare the tanks for transport. The tanks were grouped in groups of 2 and then placed on 6-metre platforms designed and built by us. To immobilise the tanks and prevent them from moving during transport, we used a system of straps and wedges. The straps were carefully fixed to secure the tanks to the platforms, and the wedges were placed in strategic locations to further enhance load stabilisation.

Another important step was to protect the tanks from moisture, which is crucial during long-term sea transport. To this end, we used moisture absorbers that were evenly distributed. These absorbers are designed to soak up moisture, preventing condensation and rust.

We then proceeded to protect the edges of the tanks. The edges of the loads were carefully covered with special protective materials to minimise the risk of damage during transport.

Once the edges were protected, we proceeded to pack the tanks in a special foil, which, in combination with moisture absorbers, creates vacuum packing (vacuum packaging). This packaging method involves removing the air from the packaging, which further protects the cargo from moisture and contamination. The vacuum foil forms a protective barrier that shields the tanks from all external influences during transport.

Finally, the secured tanks were placed in boxes made of OSB.

All the materials used in the construction of the crates have the necessary certificates, which guarantees their compliance with international transport standards. This ensured that our cargo arrived in America intact, ready for installation at the customer’s site.

This project is an excellent example of our ability to handle complex logistical tasks and proves that we are able to meet even the most demanding challenges.