The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Container Technical Committee (ISO/TC104) has set specific conditions that containers must meet to be considered suitable for use. These conditions include:
  • Sufficient strength to withstand repeated use
  • Compatibility with various modes of transport
  • The ability to handle goods without the need for replacement during transshipment.  
  • Containers must be easily filled and emptied
  • Have a minimum volume of 1 square meter.
 
Offshore containers have evolved from standard containers and are widely used in the offshore oil industry as supporting equipment. However, there are significant differences between standard and offshore containers in terms of their operating environments and lifting methods.
 
Standard containers are typically transported by container liners to ports and secured using box guideposts or stacking fixings. In port terminals, they are hoisted using container cranes and twist lock devices.
 
In contrast, offshore containers are exposed to the harsh marine environment and are subject to single-point lifting on supply vessels or oil platforms. They require higher structural strength and protection due to potential collisions with adjacent containers or hulls. Offshore containers are not allowed to be stacked on ships during transport, and stacking fixings are not used for lifting.
 
The certification and production of offshore containers are subject to strict requirements compared to standard containers. The certification process includes evaluation and certification, manufacturing process inspection, and sample box testing, which involves four-point lifting, two-point lifting, inclination testing, and drop testing. During production, the material and welds of the main structure undergo rigorous quality control.
 
Therefore, it is essential to differentiate and identify between standard and offshore containers in terms of procurement, design, display, and operation to better manage offshore container business.
 
TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Special Containers is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 
Wherever you are in the world TLS can help you, please contact us.

Written by Oliver

Container heat insulation and fire protection design refers to designing a set of heat insulation and fire protection system inside the container to protect the goods in the container from the influence of external temperature and fire. Commonly used insulation materials include rock wool, glass wool, polyurethane, etc., while fireproof materials include fireproof boards, fireproof coatings, etc.

TLS offshore containers can meet the A60 fire protection standard and usually use rock wool as an insulating material, which is made of basalt or lava mineral fibers. It has the following characteristics:
High temperature stability: rock wool can maintain stable insulation performance at high temperature, and can be used for thermal insulation of high temperature equipment.
Good thermal insulation performance: rock wool has low thermal conductivity and high thermal insulation performance, which can effectively reduce energy loss and reduce energy consumption.
Good fire performance: rock wool is a non-combustible material that will not burn or melt, and can effectively isolate the fire source and reduce the occurrence of fire.
Good sound absorption performance: The fiber structure of rock wool can effectively absorb sound waves, reduce noise transmission, and improve indoor comfort.
Environmental protection and health: rock wool products do not contain harmful substances, do not produce harmful gases, and are harmless to the environment and human health.

Using rock wool as a container insulation material can provide good thermal insulation performance, fire performance, sound insulation performance and environmental protection performance. When designing the insulation scheme, factors such as insulation requirements, cost and durability need to be considered comprehensively to determine the appropriate thickness and density of rock wool, and attention should be paid to the installation of rock wool and compliance with relevant fire protection and environmental protection standards.

In the heat insulation and fire protection design of containers, several aspects of design should also be considered:
Designing the insulation and how to insulate: The location of the insulation and how to insulate need to be determined. Generally speaking, the heat insulation layer can be designed on the inner wall, roof and ground of the container. At the same time, you can choose to use double-layer structure or single-layer structure for heat insulation.
Design fire protection layer and fire prevention method: need to determine the position and fire prevention method of fire protection layer. Generally speaking, the fireproof layer can be designed on the inner wall, roof and ground of the container. At the same time, you can choose to use fireproof boards, fireproof coatings and other materials for fire prevention.
Fire protection system design: The design of the fire protection system needs to be taken into account. This includes fire water sources, fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, etc.
Operator Safety: Operator safety needs to be considered. This includes things like lighting and ventilation systems inside the container.
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Container heat insulation and fire protection design is a complex project, which needs to consider multiple aspects such as heat insulation, fire protection, fire protection system and operator safety. During the design process, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as the nature of the cargo inside the container, the characteristics of the container itself, and the budget to determine the most suitable heat insulation and fire protection scheme.
Written by Mandy
​TLS provides offshore lab containers that conform to the rigorous DNV 2.7-1 Standards for offshore use. These specialized lab containers are designed to withstand the challenging conditions of offshore environments, including exposure to saltwater, high winds, and extreme temperatures.

The DNV 2.7-1 Standard is a certification requirement for all types of offshore containers used as transport units. This standard covers all aspects of offshore container design, including structural integrity, lifting points, ventilation, and access to the container. Containers designed and certified according to this standard possess enough strength to withstand the normal forces encountered in offshore operations and can withstand more extreme loads.

There has been a growing demand for offshore mobile laboratories in recent years, particularly in the fields of research, environmental testing, and healthcare. Portable labs offer scientists and researchers the flexibility to conduct experiments and analyze samples in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Lab containers have become increasingly popular in this area. Offshore lab containers are converted shipping containers that can be customized to meet the user's specific needs, including specialized equipment, ventilation systems, plumbing, and electrical outlets. They can also include safety features, such as fire suppression systems and hazardous material containment.

Offshore lab containers have the advantage of mobility, allowing them to be transported to any location via truck, train, or ship. This makes them particularly useful in remote areas where traditional laboratories may not be accessible. Lab containers are also cost-effective, as they can be delivered and set up in a matter of weeks, saving money and enabling researchers to begin their work sooner. Furthermore, lab containers are environmentally friendly, as they can be repurposed, reducing waste, and can be fitted with solar panels to reduce reliance on external power sources.

TLS offshore lab containers are highly durable and equipped with specialized equipment and safety features to ensure maximum safety for personnel working in and around the lab. They are corrosion-resistant and able to withstand damage from the elements, with fire suppression systems and gas detection sensors installed to prevent accidents.

In addition to their safety features, TLS offshore lab containers are highly customizable to meet the unique requirements of offshore research and experimentation. They can be designed with specialized equipment, lighting, and ventilation systems to meet the specific needs of offshore work.

TLS offshore lab containers are an ideal choice for offshore applications in the oil and gas industry, providing maximum safety and durability for personnel and equipment in harsh offshore environments. These specialized lab containers offer maximum safety and durability, ensuring that experiments and analyses can be conducted safely and efficiently in remote offshore locations.

​Please download laboratory container brochure for reference. ​