Flexitank Solutions
Flexitank Solutions — single-use bulk liquid transport inside a standard 20-foot dry container. No specialised equipment, no repositioning cycle, no off-hire process.
What you need to know
What is a flexitank? A flexitank is a large, single-use flexible bladder installed inside a standard 20-foot dry container. Once installed, it converts an ordinary box container into a bulk liquid carrier. The bladder is filled at origin, sealed, shipped, discharged at destination, and disposed of — no cleaning cycle, no off-hire process, no repositioning obligation.
Flexitanks are not ISO-certified pressure vessels and are not suitable for hazardous or DG cargo. Their value is in accessibility and cost efficiency — standard dry containers are available at every major port worldwide, freight rates are competitive, and no dedicated equipment cycle is required.
Types and Specifications
Type
Application
Capacity Range
Standard
General non-hazardous liquids
16,000 – 21,000 L
Food-grade
Edible oils, syrups, juices — certified food contact materials
16,000 – 21,000 L
Barrier (EVOH)
Oxygen-sensitive products — wine, juices, select chemicals — multi-layer liner with oxygen barrier
16,000 – 21,000 L
Reinforced / High-volume
High-density or viscous products, extended transit
up to 24,000 L
Flexitanks are well suited to
- Non-hazardous industrial chemicals and process liquids
- Lubricants and base oils (non-DG grade)
- Liquid fertilisers (non-classified)
- Wine, juice concentrates, and edible oils — with food-grade or barrier liner as required
- Glycols, surfactants, and low-viscosity polymers
Flexitanks are not suitable for:
- Classified hazardous goods (IMDG / DG) — no tank certification for DG carriage
- Highly viscous products requiring heating above 40°C
- Products requiring pressurised discharge
- Flexitank vs ISO tank — when to use which
Flexitanks vs ISO tank – when to use which
Factor
Flexitank
ISO Tank
Equipment cost
Lower — dry container freight
Higher — specialised equipment
Cargo suitability
Non-hazardous only
Full range incl. DG
Reuse
Single use
Reusable — cleaned and recertified
Repositioning
None required
Managed by tank operator
Capacity
16,000 – 24,000 L
17,500 – 26,000 L
Availability
High — standard dry containers
Dependent on corridor and operator
DG Capability
No
Yes
For shippers with non-hazardous cargo and cost as the primary driver, flexitank is often the right choice. For DG cargo, certified equipment requirements, or circular repositioning economics, ISO tank is the appropriate mode.