The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued both the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods code (IMDG). Both of these are mandatory international regulations. IMO has recognized that the CSC convention is not directly applicable for offshore containers that are handled in the open seas and has issued circular MSC/Circ. 860 with the applicable guidelines. Containers certified to DNV 2.7-1 are also certified to MSC/Circ. 860 and it is noted on their certificates. 

Every container used for international transport needs a valid CSC plate to ensure a good condition for safety reasons. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) undertook a study to find about more about the safety of containerization as the number of containers increased over the years. The container itself emerged as the most important safety reason for humans working around it which led to the foundation of the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) by the United Nations and the IMO in 1972 with two main goals to maintain the highest level of safety in transportation and logistics and facilitate international container transport by providing standards. Nowadays every container used for international cargo transport must have a valid CSC approval. Doesn’t matter if COC or SOC Container, it would not be able to move the equipment for international maritime transport without a valid CSC plate.

However, be advised that DNV 2.7-1 containers are not required to be certified and plated CSC. For a container to be CSC plated, a separate set of criteria and testing must be met. Our containers are both DNV 2.7-1 and CSC certified. 

Containers that are intended for ocean voyages on container ships are normally designed to applicable parts of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). Containers that are certified to CSC are in general also designed as ISO containers. Our containers are designed and certified according to ISO as well.

Every shipping container used for international maritime transport must have a valid CSC plate bolted to the outside of the left door. It shall take the form of a permanent, non-corrosive, fireproof rectangular plate measuring at least 20x10cm. Fastened at the time of manufacture, each plate must contain a certain level of information (see graphics below), either in English or French and it shall be durable in a colour contrasting with the one of the containers. The words “CSC SAFETY APPROVAL” are prominently placed in the middle of every plate alongside the country of approval and reference number. Additional information includes:

Please download CSC standard for offshore containers.