ISO Tank

Intermodal chemical and liquid transport

ISO tank containers are the global standard for transporting bulk liquids, chemicals, and industrial fluids across road, rail, and sea. Built to ISO 1496/3 and IMDG standards, these robust, stainless steel tanks offer a reliable and reusable solution for both hazardous and non-hazardous cargo. Whether you’re handling chemical productspharmaceutical ingredients, or petroleum-based liquids, ISO tanks provide a safe and efficient option for intermodal transport across your global supply chain.

Why Choose an ISO Tank?

Struggling to find a compliant bulk liquid transport container?

ISO tank containers are globally recognised for transporting hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids, offering full compliance with IMDG, ADR/RID, TIR, CSC, and ISO 668 standards. Their consistent sizing, durable build, and intermodal transport compatibility make them a reliable solution across road, rail, and sea.

Whether shipping chemicals, petroleum products, or hazardous liquids, ISO tanks enable seamless multimodal logistics. Standardised frame sizes ensure compatibility with container handling equipment, making them a preferred choice for global supply chains.

ISO tanks are classified by T codes (e.g. T11, T14, T22), which determine their pressure rating, design temperature, and chemical compatibility. Choosing the right tank type ensures safe, compliant transport of corrosive, flammable, or reactive liquids.

With long lifespans, reusability, and reduced spillage risk, ISO tank containers are considered a more sustainable alternative to drums or flexitanks. Their closed-system design also supports efficient cleaning and re-use, improving lifecycle performance.

Features of ISO Tanks

ISO Tanks

PU Foam or Rockwool Insulation

Most ISO tanks are equipped with polyurethane foam or mineral wool insulation, protected by a mild steel or stainless steel cladding, helping maintain product temperature during long-haul bulk liquid transport.

316L Stainless Steel Barrel

The inner vessel is built from 316L stainless steel to ASME Ⅷ Div 1 regulations, known for its high corrosion resistance, making it suitable for transporting a wide range of chemicals, oils, and hazardous liquids without product contamination.

20ft ISO Frame with Corner Castings

Each tank is housed in a 20-foot intermodal frame, constructed to ISO 1496/3 specifications with ISO 1161 corner castings for secure and standardised multimodal lifting and transport across global logistics networks.

Top Manlid and Safety Valve Assembly

A centrally located manlid on the tank’s top allows for product access, maintenance and cleaning, often combined with pressure-relief valves, vacuum breakers, and bursting discs to ensure safe operation under pressure.
20ft ISO Frame with Corner Castings

Each tank is housed in a 20-foot intermodal frame, constructed to ISO 1496/3  specifications with ISO 1161 corner castings for secure and standardised multimodal lifting and transport across global logistics networks.

The inner vessel is built from 316L stainless steel to ASME Ⅷ Div 1 regulations, known for its high corrosion resistance, making it suitable for transporting a wide range of chemicals, oils, and hazardous liquids without product contamination.

Most ISO tanks are equipped with polyurethane foam or mineral wool insulation, protected by a mild steel or stainless steel cladding, helping maintain product temperature during long-haul bulk liquid transport.

A centrally located manlid on the tank’s top allows for product access, maintenance and cleaning, often combined with pressure-relief valves, vacuum breakers, and bursting discs to ensure safe operation under pressure.

Ready to Optimise Your Liquid Transport?

Looking for a cost-effective, reliable, and compliant solution for bulk liquid transport? The ISO Tank is designed for seamless global logistics across road, rail, and sea.

Tell us about your requirements, and our team will provide expert guidance. Submit your enquiry today and get a response within 24 hours.

What is an ISO Tank and how does it work?

An ISO Tank is a cylindrical stainless steel tank housed within a 20ft ISO frame, designed for the safe transport of bulk liquids, chemicals, and hazardous goods. It maintains structural integrity under pressure and temperature changes, making it suitable for global shipping via road, rail, or sea.

 

ISO Tanks are suitable for a wide range of products, including flammable liquids, chemicals, oils, acids, and hazardous ADR-classified cargo. Different T-codes define the tank’s compatibility based on pressure, temperature, and chemical resistance requirements.

 

These T-codes refer to the design type (the test pressure and pressure relief setup, shell thickness, and bottom and top outlet arrangement) of the ISO Tank and the class of liquids it can carry. For example, T11 tanks are commonly used for non-hazardous and low-toxicity chemicals, while T14 ISO Tanks are designed for more corrosive and hazardous substances. Each rating defines pressure, venting, and material specifications.

Read our blog post covering the full range of uses of Standardised ISO Tanks.

No. Standard ISO Tanks are not suitable for transporting hot bitumen, as they lack the thermal insulation and integrated heating systems needed to maintain product temperature. For heated or temperature-sensitive bitumen logistics, explore our dedicated Bitutainer™ range designed specifically for this purpose.

Most ISO Tanks are equipped with a bottom discharge valve for gravity or pump-assisted unloading. Some also feature a top outlet and internal heating coils (in heated variants), depending on the liquid and handling requirements.

While ISO Tanks are reusable stainless steel containers, Flexitanks are single-use polymer bladders installed in standard containers. ISO Tanks offer superior durability, are better for hazardous goods, and support intermodal handling, while Flexitanks are more suited for non-hazardous bulk liquids in one-way trips.

Read our blog highlighting the differences between ISO tanks and Flexitanks.

Answers to

Not sure if and ISO Tank is the right fit for your operations? Our expert team is here to help. Whether you have questions about specifications, heating options, or logistics, we’ll provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Ask us your questions today and get expert guidance on your transport needs.

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