English Maritime Terminology on Port and Maritime Logistics

Standard containers

• are often referred to as dry storage containers or intermodal containers;
• represent the central element of global trade and logistics;
• are designed to transport a wide range of dry goods (i.e. boxes, pallets, bags, barrels, etc.) across various modes of transport, without the need to unload and reload the cargo.
• are fully enclosed and weatherproof, providing a safe and secure means of transporting goods.

• are identical to the standard containers but a tarpaulin replaces the roof to allow loading and discharge from above.
• the tarpaulin fully protects the cargo from the elements.
• are designed to allow loading through both the top opening and the rear doors
• are suitable for the carriage of awkward and indivisible cargoes.

Open side containers

• are ideal for loading and unloading wide cargo that cannot be easily fitted through end doors.
• have doors that open along the length of the container, providing a wide access point; there are no bars or pillars obstructing access.
• are used in situations where greater flexibility is needed for cargo handling, allowing more efficient and faster loading and unloading compared to standard containers.

Flat rack containers

• consist solely of a platform with extremely high loading capacity; they have no side or end walls. 
• the platform usually consists of a steel frame and a wooden floor structure.
• have a high loading capacity, making it possible to stuff oversized and very heavy cargo.
• Lashing rings that may take loads of up to 3.000 kg are installed in the side rails. 

• are used for storage and transportation of perishable goods, ensuring the cold chain which is essential for product quality and safety.
• have an integral refrigeration unit for controlling the temperature inside the container. The refrigeration unit is arranged in such a way that the external dimensions of the container meet ISO standards and thus fit into the container ship cell guides, for example. The presence of an integral refrigeration unit entails a loss of internal volume and payload.
• When being transported by ship, integral units have to be connected to the on-board power supply system. When at the terminal, the containers are connected to the terminal's power supply system.

Insulated containers

• are equipped with a double wall which reduces the impact of the outside temperature. To protect goods against condensation and humidity, containers are often sealed.
• on board, the inside of the container is supplied with cold air via the ship’s central cooling plant.
• off the ship, the temperature is controlled by a terminal refrigeration system or "clip-on units".

Ventilated containers

• are also known as passive (naturally) ventilated or coffee containers.
• are used especially for cargoes which have to be ventilated in transit (e,g. green coffee beans)
• Ventilation is provided by ventilation openings in the top and bottom side rails. The openings do not let in spray, and prevent depreciation of the cargo.
• Lashing rings that take loads of up to 1,000 kg are installed in the upper and lower side rails and the corner posts.