Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30
12.2.5 The different designs for the tank supporting frames determine the stacking
capability of the tank container. Most ISO tank containers are built to the
provisions of ISO 1496 part 3 which will require that the container is built to
withstand a superimposed load of 192,000 kg. This value is the equivalent
of eight superimposed containers with an average mass of 24,000kg.
12.2.6 Table 1 shows the stacking configuration for a selection of average
superimposed container masses. Note the mass of the bottom container is
not taken into account when calculating the superimposed average mass.
Average gross
mass (kg) of
containers
24,000 30,480 32,500 34,000 36,000
Stack height 8 over 1 6 over 1 5 over 1 5 over 1 5 over 1
Laden
container stack
12.2.7 There are few international tank containers in service today with a maximum
gross weight rating of 30,480 kg so, as shown in Table 1, the maximum
configuration will generally be five fully laden tank containers stacked over
the bottom one (total six per stack).
12.2.8 However swap tanks have a different design and therefore a different
stacking capability. The wider designed width of these units means that
there is a step between the corner posts and the top corner fittings. Pictures
59 and 60 show examples of the step in the post.
Picture 59 Picture 60
Table 1
12.2.9 Containers with a step of this nature will generally have a lower stacking
capability. The container may be marked with a warning decal that indicates
that there is a reduced stacking capability.
12.2.10 The safety approval plate example shown in Picture 58 is such a tank
container where the maximum gross value of 36,000 kg and a reduced
allowable stacking weight of 72,000 kg. This means that only two similar
and fully laden containers can be stacked above it. .
12.2.11 When considering a stack of tank containers, the maximum superimposed
load of the bottom container will dictate the total stack height. A container
with the stacking capability of the units shown in Picture 58 can only have
two containers placed above it, whether they are the stronger international
or the weaker European loading unit. On the other hand a tank container
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