The container revolution is well documented. However, many are not aware of the range of containers available in the market.
We start with the ubiquitous 20’ and 40’ containers, normally loaded through the rear doors, using fork lifts. However, some cargo is only suited to crane loading, therefore the open top container comes into play. Then, when the issue is volume rather than weight, we move on to Hi-Cube containers.
The next stage is that, because the cargo is oversize, a standard container does not fit the bill and a flat rack, sometimes with a collapsible end, is the only option available – from then on we are into conventional vessels.
Notable container projects in the past have included:
- The transfer of a complete F 111 fighter test bed from BAE Filton to Ipswich, using a mix of standard containers and flat racks – not Ipswich in the UK, but the RAAF base at Ipswich, Queensland, Australia – roughly 50kms to the west of Brisbane.
- The shipment of a pharmaceutical facility from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to Northern Ireland. Routeing was via Durban, although it had to be the year when there were severe floods, with several bridges being washed away – causing lengthy detours.
These and many others have been turnkey projects – with STG being responsible for every aspect, on a ‘door to door’ basis.
